Get into the holiday spirit with this beautiful and surprisingly healthy appetizer. Make the naan dough ahead of time, then add colorful toppings and bake just before serving. Naan dough is easy to mix and roll—have fun with it!
Homemade naan is simple to prepare. Yogurt enriches a partially whole-grain dough that comes together in minutes. Follow these directions for a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior—a perfect bread base for all your creative toppings.
This recipe is friendly for beginners. Once the dough has risen, it becomes light and pillow-soft, easy and enjoyable to work with. I use part whole-grain pastry flour to add a touch of wholesome flavor and nutrition. The dough is mixed quickly in a bowl with a fork, then kneaded a few minutes until smooth and elastic.
Making dough by hand is simple and rewarding—many find it relaxing and even a little addictive. As the dough rests, covered in a bowl, it gradually expands and develops flavor, texture and structure. This naan includes yogurt (lactose-free yogurt works fine) to keep the crumb moist and chewy. After rising, divide the dough into six portions, shape them into discs, and roll into oblong, free-form shapes.
This dough behaves differently from typical pizza dough, and it’s versatile in many applications. Traditional Indian naan is baked in a tandoor at very high heat; at home you can mimic those results with a hot cast-iron skillet. Some cooks prefer a pizza stone in the oven, but a cast-iron skillet is excellent for “blackening” the surface, which adds characteristic flavor. The dough will bubble up beautifully and char slightly, then flip and cook on the other side. Transfer the partly cooked rounds to a baking sheet, add colorful toppings arranged in stripes if you like, and finish in the oven. You can prepare the bases ahead of time, then bake when your guests arrive and are ready to eat.
These naan pizzas are perfect for the holidays—Christmas or New Year’s Eve—but they’re equally enjoyable year-round. Use seasonal or everyday toppings and get creative. Try combinations of roasted vegetables, olives, cheeses, garlic, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
Wishing you happy holidays and delicious gatherings!
Karen