What Goes Well With Naan?

If you’re a fan of Indian or Middle Eastern cuisine, then you’re probably already familiar with naan. This delicious bread is a staple in many dishes, and is often used to scoop up curries, dips, and other flavorful dishes.

Just in case you’re not, Naan is a type of flatbread that is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made with flour, yeast, salt, and yogurt or milk, and is often cooked in a tandoor oven to give it a crispy, slightly charred texture.

But what goes well with naan? While naan is delicious on its own, it can also be paired with a variety of other foods to create a truly satisfying meal. In this article, we will explore some of the best foods to pair with naan, including fruit and vegetables, herbs, nuts, dairy, and meat and protein.

What Is Best to Pair With Naan Bread?

Fruit and Vegetables

Naan goes well with a variety of fruits and vegetables, including juicy fruits like mangoes, peaches, and apricots. These fruits add a burst of sweetness and flavor to naan dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for naan or as a filling for stuffed naan.

Vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are also great choices for pairing with naan. These vegetables can be roasted, grilled, or sautéed and served alongside the naan, or incorporated into the dish itself. For example, you could make a naan and vegetable curry, or a naan and vegetable wrap.

Herbs, Nuts and Dairy

Herbs like cilantro, mint, and parsley are also great choices for pairing with naan. These herbs add a fresh, vibrant flavor to naan dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for naan, as a filling for stuffed naan, or as a garnish for naan-based dishes.

Nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios are also delicious when paired with naan. These nuts add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to naan dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for naan, as a filling for stuffed naan, or as a crunchy coating for fried naan.

Dairy products like yogurt and cheese are also great choices for pairing with naan. These products add creaminess and tanginess to naan dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for naan, as a filling for stuffed naan, or as a sauce for naan-based dishes. For example, you could make a naan and yogurt dip, or a naan and cheese pizza.

Meat and Protein

Meat and protein also go well with naan. For example, you could pair naan with lamb, chicken, or beef for a delicious and satisfying meal. These meats add a rich, savory flavor to naan dishes, and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a filling for stuffed naan, or as the main protein in naan-based dishes.

Dessert Pairings

While naan is typically associated with savory dishes, it can also be paired with sweet ingredients for a truly unique and delicious meal. For example, you could make a naan and fruit kebab, with a mixture of fresh berries, stone fruits, and nuts. You could also make a naan and honey based dessert.

What is the Best Side For Naan?

The best side for naan depends on your personal preferences and the recipe you’re using. Some popular choices include roasted or grilled vegetables, lentils, rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

These sides can help to balance out the flavors in the dish, and provide a variety of textures and flavors to complement the naan.

Is Frozen Naan Bad For You?

No, frozen naan is not bad for you. In fact, freezing naan can actually help to preserve its flavor and texture. When naan is frozen properly, it can be stored for several months without losing quality.

However, it is important to thaw naan properly before cooking it, to ensure that it is safe to eat and has the best possible flavor.

Is Naan Good For You?

While naan is delicious and satisfying, it is not necessarily the healthiest food. It is made with flour, yeast, and dairy products, which can be high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. However, naan can still be a part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

What is the Best Way to Store Naan?

The best way to store naan depends on how you plan to use it. If you plan to use the naan within a few days, it can be stored at room temperature, in a bread basket or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.

If you plan to freeze the naan, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen naan can be stored in the freezer for several months.

Is it Better to Eat Naan Cooked?

Yes, it is generally better to eat naan cooked. Raw dough can contain harmful bacteria and should be cooked thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Additionally, cooking naan can help to bring out its flavor and texture, making it more enjoyable to eat.

Can You Eat Naan Cold?

Yes, you can eat naan cold. In fact, naan is often served cold in dishes like wraps and sandwiches. However, it is important to ensure that the naan is cooked properly before consuming it cold. Raw or undercooked naan can contain harmful bacteria, and should be cooked thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Why You Need to Add More Naan to Your Diet

While naan is not necessarily the healthiest food, it can still be a delicious and satisfying part of a healthy diet. Naan is a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy. It is also a good source of fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Additionally, naan can be a tasty and convenient way to add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.

What Are The Nutritious Values of Naan?

While naan is not a particularly nutrient-dense food, it does contain some important nutrients. Some of the specific nutrients that are found in naan include:

• Carbohydrates: Naan is a good source of carbohydrates, with a 1-ounce serving providing approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, and are important for supporting physical and mental activity.
• Fiber: Naan is also a good source of fiber, with a 1-ounce serving providing approximately 1 gram of fiber. Fiber is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system, and can also help to lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels.
• Protein: Naan also contains a small amount of protein, with a 1-ounce serving providing approximately 2 grams of protein. Protein is essential for maintaining and repairing tissues in the body, and is also important for supporting the immune system.

So What Food Goes Best With Naan?

As we have seen, naan goes well with a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, herbs, nuts, dairy, and meat and protein. Some of the best foods to pair with naan include:

• Juicy fruits like mangoes, peaches, and apricots, which add a burst of sweetness and flavor to naan dishes
• Vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, which can be roasted, grilled, or sautéed and served alongside the naan
• Herbs like cilantro, mint, and parsley, which add a fresh, vibrant flavor to naan dishes
• Nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios, which add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to naan dishes
• Dairy products like yogurt and cheese, which add creaminess and tanginess to naan dishes
• Meats like lamb, chicken, and beef, which add a rich, savory flavor to naan dishes

In conclusion, naan is a delicious and versatile bread that can be paired with a variety of other foods to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal, or a hearty and satisfying dish, there are plenty of options for pairing naan with other foods to create a delicious and nutritious meal. 

So the next time you’re enjoying a naan-based dish, be sure to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find the perfect pairings for your taste buds.