What To Know
- Once cooked, carefully remove the naan bread from the grill and place it on a plate.
- Top the naan bread with your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, and let it melt on the grill for a cheesy treat.
- Use grilled naan bread as a wrap for a variety of fillings, such as chicken tikka masala, shawarma, or falafel.
Are you tired of the same old grilled burgers and hot dogs? Craving something a bit more exotic and flavorful? Look no further than grilling naan bread! This simple, yet versatile flatbread can be transformed into a delightful addition to any meal, adding a touch of Indian flair to your backyard barbecue. Learning how to cook naan bread on grill is surprisingly easy and opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Let’s dive into the steps and tips for achieving perfectly grilled naan bread that will wow your taste buds.
Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools
Before you fire up the grill, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools:
- Naan Bread: You can purchase pre-made naan bread from your local grocery store, or get adventurous and try making your own!
- Olive Oil: This will help the naan bread crisp up and prevent sticking to the grill.
- Garlic: Optional, but highly recommended for an extra flavor boost.
- Grill: Any type of grill will work, but a gas grill is generally easier to control the temperature.
- Grill Brush: For cleaning the grill grates.
- Tongs: For handling the naan bread.
- Spatula: For checking the doneness of the naan bread.
Preparing the Grill
The key to perfectly grilled naan bread is a hot grill. Here’s how to get your grill ready:
1. Clean the Grates: Use a grill brush to scrub any leftover food debris from the grates for a clean grilling surface.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). You’ll know it’s ready when you hold your hand about 5 inches above the grates and feel a gentle heat.
Prepping the Naan Bread
Now that your grill is preheated, it’s time to get the naan bread ready for grilling:
1. Brush with Olive Oil: Generously brush both sides of the naan bread with olive oil.
2. Add Garlic (Optional): If you’re using garlic, mince it finely and rub it on the oiled surface of the naan bread. This will infuse the bread with a delicious garlicky aroma.
Grilling the Naan Bread
Now, let’s get grilling! Here’s how to achieve perfectly grilled naan bread:
1. Place on the Grill: Carefully place the naan bread onto the hot grill grates. Avoid overcrowding the grill, leaving some space between each piece.
2. Cook for 1-2 Minutes Per Side: Grill the naan bread for 1-2 minutes per side, or until it develops golden-brown grill marks and becomes slightly puffy.
3. Check for Doneness: Use a spatula to gently lift the naan bread and check for doneness. It should be cooked through and slightly crispy.
4. Remove from Grill: Once cooked, carefully remove the naan bread from the grill and place it on a plate.
Enhancing the Flavor
Grilled naan bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further with these flavor-enhancing tips:
- Butter: Brush the naan bread with melted butter immediately after grilling for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint onto the naan bread for a burst of freshness.
- Spices: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes, cumin, or garam masala for a spicy kick.
- Cheese: Top the naan bread with your favorite cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, and let it melt on the grill for a cheesy treat.
Serving the Naan Bread
Grilled naan bread is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve grilled naan bread with dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, or yogurt raita.
- Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, chicken, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Wrap: Use grilled naan bread as a wrap for a variety of fillings, such as chicken tikka masala, shawarma, or falafel.
- Dessert: Top grilled naan bread with fruit, honey, or whipped cream for a sweet treat.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Variations
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique naan bread creations. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Pizza Naan: Spread tomato sauce on the naan bread, top with cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, and grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sweet Naan: Brush the naan bread with honey or maple syrup, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and grill until warm and gooey.
- Garlic Knots: Cut the naan bread into strips, brush with garlic butter, and grill until crispy.
Time to Get Grilling!
Now that you have all the knowledge and inspiration you need, it’s time to fire up the grill and create some delicious grilled naan bread. Enjoy!
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use store-bought naan bread?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought naan bread is a great option for grilling. Just make sure it’s fresh and not overly dry.
Q: How do I know if the naan bread is cooked through?
A: The naan bread should be slightly puffy, golden-brown, and cooked through. You can check for doneness by gently pressing on the bread with a spatula.
Q: Can I grill naan bread on a charcoal grill?
A: Yes, you can grill naan bread on a charcoal grill. Just make sure the coals are hot and evenly distributed.
Q: What are some other toppings I can use for grilled naan bread?
A: You can use a variety of toppings, such as chopped vegetables, roasted peppers, olives, or even a fried egg. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!
