(Homemade) Simple, Quick & Easy Naan Bread (BLW)

Suitable from six months old
 

Table of Contents

    Naan bread cut in half to show spinach filling

    Quick Naan Bread Recipe

    Yogurt naan bread is the ultimate culinary delight for little ones exploring the world of solid foods through baby led weaning. Soft, fluffy, and packed with nutrients, this delightful combination of yogurt and naan bread offers a perfect balance of taste and texture.

    The creamy yogurt not only enhances the flavour but also adds a dose of probiotics, promoting a healthy digestive system. The traditional naan recipe, with its gentle chewiness, serves as an ideal introduction to more textured foods while still being easy to hold and munch on.

    Together, yogurt naan bread opens up a world of new sensations and flavours, allowing babies to develop their taste buds and fine motor skills while savouring every bite.

    The Benefits Of Greek Yogurt

    Greek yogurt is an excellent addition to a baby's diet for several reasons. Firstly, it is packed with calcium, which is crucial for the development and growth of strong bones and teeth.

    Secondly, Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle development and repair. Additionally, it contains probiotics, which promote a healthy gut and aid in digestion. These beneficial probiotics also boost the immune system, helping to ward off illnesses.

    Furthermore, Greek yogurt is low in lactose, making it easier for babies with lactose intolerance to digest. Lastly, it is versatile and can be mixed with fruit or used as a creamy base for purees, providing added nutrients, flavours, and textures to a baby's diet.

    With its numerous benefits and versatility, Greek yogurt is a fantastic choice for introducing babies to a wide range of nutritious foods.

    The Hidden Gem for Your Baby’s Health: Nigella Seeds

    As parents, we always strive to provide the best nutrition for our little ones. It's no wonder we are constantly on the lookout for new ingredients to incorporate into their diets.

    One such ingredient that is gaining recognition for its immense health benefits is nigella seeds. These tiny black seeds, also known as black cumin or kalonji, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are now finding their way into the modern kitchen.

    Adding nigella seeds to your baby's food can be a game-changer, offering numerous benefits for their overall well-being.


    1. Boosting Immunity


    Nigella seeds are a treasure trove of immune-boosting properties. They contain essential vitamins, including A, C, and E, and minerals like iron and calcium, all of which play a crucial role in strengthening your baby's immune system.

    A robust immune system helps fight off infections, reduces the risk of allergies, and promotes overall good health.


    2. Enhancing Digestion


    Introducing nigella seeds to your baby's food can do wonders for their digestive system. These little seeds are packed with dietary fibre, which aids in smooth digestion and prevents constipation.

    Additionally, the natural oils in nigella seeds help stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, promoting a healthy gut and reducing the chances of digestive discomfort.


    3. Ensuring Respiratory Health


    Nigella seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to the respiratory health of your baby.

    The active compounds found in these seeds have been known to reduce inflammation in the airways, making them beneficial for babies with respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies.

    Including nigella seeds in their diet may help ease symptoms and support healthier breathing.


    4. Fostering Brain Development


    The first few years of a baby's life are crucial for brain development, and nigella seeds can play a role in fuelling this growth.

    Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, these seeds contribute to optimal brain function and protect against oxidative stress. Incorporating nigella seeds in your baby's meals can aid in their cognitive development, sharpen their memory, and support overall brain health.


    5. Promoting Healthy Skin


    Babies have delicate skin that requires extra care. Nigella seeds come to the rescue here too! These seeds contain essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, which nourish and moisturize the skin from within.

    Including nigella seeds in your baby's diet may relieve skin ailments like eczema and dryness, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.


    Safety Tips:

    While nigella seeds offer numerous benefits, it's important to introduce them gradually and safely into your baby's diet. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

    1. Begin with a small quantity to observe your baby's reaction for any potential allergies or digestive issues.

    2. Ground nigella seeds to a fine powder or use them in a form that is easier for your baby to consume.

    3. Avoid adding any additional seasonings or spices initially to allow your baby to adapt to the taste of nigella seeds.

    Adding nigella seeds to your baby's food is a wonderful way to provide them with an extra nutritional boost.

    Always prioritise your baby's well-being and seek advice from healthcare professionals when necessary.

    So go ahead, sprinkle some nigella seeds into their meals, and watch your little one thrive with improved immunity, digestion, respiratory health, brain development, and glowing skin!

    The Benefits Of Spinach

    Spinach is a fantastic addition to this naan bread recipe for several reasons. Firstly, it adds vibrant colour, making the bread visually appealing and even more enticing.

    Secondly, spinach is an incredibly nutritious leafy green, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. By incorporating spinach into the naan bread, you are infusing it with an extra dose of health benefits.

    Additionally, spinach brings a subtle earthy flavour that compliments the traditional naan bread taste. Its mild taste allows the bread to maintain its versatility and pair well with various dishes.

    Overall, adding spinach into this naan bread recipe not only enhances its visual appeal but also amplifies its nutritional value and taste, making it a wholesome and delicious choice.

    Is Naan Bread Gluten Free

    Naan bread is traditionally made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. Therefore, standard naan bread is not gluten-free. However, it is possible to make gluten-free naan bread by using gluten-free flour as a substitute.

    By replacing the wheat flour with a gluten-free alternative, babies with gluten allergies or celiac disease can enjoy a gluten-free version of this delicious and popular bread.

    Why You Should Make This Recipe For Your Baby

    If you're searching for an extraordinary easy naan recipe, then look no further! Making my homemade naan recipe is an absolute must, and here's why.

    The sheer simplicity of the recipe combines effortlessly with the mouthwatering results, leaving you with a soft, fluffy, and pillowy bread that is a delight. All you need is basic ingredients!

    The process itself is not only straightforward but also highly rewarding, as your kitchen is filled with the tempting aroma of freshly baked naan bread.

    From the satisfying moment when you knead the dough to the heavenly experience of pulling a warm piece apart, this recipe will transport you to a world where textures and flavours harmoniously dance together.

    So go ahead, embark on this culinary adventure and immerse yourself in the magic of an easy naan recipe!

    Ingredient information

    Self raising flour - I have used self raising flour as I feel it gives the lighter texture to the bread, plain flour also works too!

    Greek yogurt - I have used full fat Greek yogurt as this works best and is a better ingredient than fat free, as there are no added sugars or sweeteners.

    Nigella seeds - With a multitude of health benefits and they work so perfectly within this recipe!

    Spinach - The perfect addition to the naan bread to add extra nutrition, you could of course leave this out, and make a plain naan.

    Bread basket containing cooked spinach filled naan bread

    Serving suggestion

    I have two dal recipes that would be perfect accompaniment for this recipe! Dal and Dump & Run Dal which is a slow cooker recipe which is so handy to make when you don’t have much time, but would like a delicious home cooked meal to come home to!

    Naan bread an hummus is a great option to for a lunch or a yummy snack.

    You could serve the naan as a base for a pizza style recipe or simply cut into strips and dip into some houmous with some cucumber batons!

    Close up of inside of cooked naan bread showing fluffy texture

    Storage instructions

    If you wanted to make the dough ahead of the game, which will not take you long at all you absolutely could and freeze the dough in a ball, all you will need to do is wrap the dough in a couple of layered of cling film (plastic wrap), pop in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

    When you decide to use the dough, leave the dough in the fridge over night and follow the recipe as per the instructions. You will not be able to freeze the dough again if you choose to make the naan’s this way.

    If you wanted to make the naan bread cooked, you can store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container or freezer bag.

    You can freeze the naan cooked on the day, once it’s left to cool at room temperature within 2 hours. Store in airtight freezer bags or airtight containers. Use within 3 months. Thaw the frozen naan bread overnight and they will be ready to eat the next day.

    To reheat the naan bread cook on the hob in a frying pan for 2 minutes each side.

    Equipment used to help with this recipe

    Frying pan - I love the non-stick surface of this particular frying pan and it’s suitable for all types of hob.

    Large Bowl - This mixing bowl I use for so many recipes, well worth the purchase.

    Recipe | (Homemade) Simple, Quick & Easy Naan Bread (BLW)

    Bread basket full of cooked spinach filled naan bread

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    Ingredients

    • 300g self raising flour, plus extra flour for dusting

    • 300g Greek yogurt

    • 60g, cooked spinach (chopped small using scissors)

    • 1 teaspoon nigella seeds

    Instructions

    • Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl. This is your dry ingredients.

    • Add in the Greek yogurt, nigella seeds and cooked spinach to the flour mixture and mix using a wooden spoon, This is your wet ingredients. Bring the piece of dough together using your hands to form a large soft dough ball.

    • Place your dough on a floured surface, and split the naan dough into 4 equal portions or into 2 for large naan breads. (you could split into 6)

    • Roll each dough using a rolling pin to form an oval shape. You may need to flour the work surface for each naan, as the dough can be quite sticky.

    • Next, heat your frying pan to a medium-high heat, turn down slightly before adding one naan to the dry pan, you will not need to add in any oil or butter to the frying pan. (If you wanted to you could add a drizzle of vegetable oil/olive oil).

    • Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, lay in between a tea towel to keep warm. You are ready to serve the fluffy cooked naan bread.

    Hope you and your family enjoy!

    Recipe notes

    For this easy naan bread recipe, you could absolutely use an all purpose flour instead of self raising flour, and gluten free flour to make this recipe gluten free.

    To make a vegan naan you could use a vegan yogurt mixture to make the recipe vegan and dairy free!

    You could add in some sesame seeds too for an extra nutty flavour, if there are no allergies in your household.


    Close up view of cooked spinach filled naan bread

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    Lindsay

    This article was written by Lindsay, the creator and owner of The Petit Spoon, who is on a mission to provide quick and easy to follow, affordable baby-led weaning recipes. With a background in child nutrition and hospitality, Lindsay understands the importance of nourishing little ones with wholesome foods that support their growth and development.

    https://www.thepetitspoon.com/
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