Can you freeze naan bread?
Naan bread is a deliciously soft, flaky and buttery flatbread that is an extremely versatile and useful accompaniment to many dishes. But what if you have a big batch of naan and want to know if you can freeze it? The answer is yes, you can freeze naan! In fact, naan freezes very well and can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. However, there are some specific rules that you need to follow to ensure that the naan stays at its best when frozen.
What is naan bread?
Naan bread is one of the most famous flatbreads in the world. It is a type of leavened bread, which means that the dough has been made with some kind of leavening agent, usually yeast. This flatbread is baked in various types of hot ovens. Authentic Indian naan is baked in a wood-fired tandoori oven, which gives the bread a slightly charred and crispy texture.
Naan is known for its exceptional softness, slight flakiness and rich, buttery flavour. It is often served with garlic or herb butter. This bread is very popular in Western and Central Asia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar.
Why freeze naan bread?
You may be wondering why you would want to freeze naan bread in the first place. Freezing naan has several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to have a ready-to-use side or accompaniment on hand at all times. Whether you have store-bought or home-made naan, freezing it ensures that you always have naan available when you need it.
Freezing naan is also a great way to save time. Instead of making naan from scratch every time you want to enjoy it, you can simply defrost and reheat frozen naan, saving valuable time in the kitchen.
Freezing naan can also save you money in the long run. By buying or making naan in bulk and freezing it, you can take advantage of bulk discounts and avoid wasting leftover naan.
How does freezing affect naan?
While freezing naan has its benefits, it’s important to note that it can change the texture and flavour of the bread to some extent. Some potential changes that may occur include the bread drying out or becoming brittle. However, there are ways to prevent or remedy this problem, as we will discuss later.
On the other hand, some types of naan can become very soggy or tough when defrosted. This can be harder to fix and the texture may not be the same as freshly made naan. However, despite these potential drawbacks, freezing naan is still a viable option that can save you time and effort.
Methods for freezing naan bread
There are a number of different methods you can use to freeze naan bread. The method you choose will depend on your personal preference and the resources you have available. Here are three common methods:
- Individually in freezer bags:
- Place a naan in a large freezer bag and seal tightly.
- Repeat the process for all the naans.
- Place the naan bread in the freezer in a single layer, stacking no more than two on top of each other to avoid crushing.
- Once frozen, you can stack the frozen naan in a safe place in your freezer.
- Wrap in plastic:
- Wrap each naan individually in cling film, making sure it is airtight but not too tight.
- Place the wrapped naan in the freezer in a single layer and freeze.
- Stack the wrapped frozen naan on top of each other for storage.
- Place in a freezer-safe container:
- Stack all the naan pieces in a freezer-safe container. If necessary, cut the naan into smaller pieces to fit, but do not fold.
- If possible, place layers of non-stick paper or cling film between the pieces to prevent them from freezing together.
- Place the container of naan in the freezer.
Tips for freezing naan
Whichever method you choose, here are some tips to help you successfully freeze naan bread:
- Wrap the naan (or container) in a layer of aluminium foil before freezing. This will help prevent excessive freezer burn and maintain the flavour and texture of the naan.
- Avoid folding the naan when freezing as this can cause the dough to become soggy when defrosted. Freeze the naan in a single layer, completely flat. Once frozen, you can stack them for efficient storage.
- Label and date everything that goes into the freezer for long-term storage. This will help you use and identify the naan bread when you need it.
Thawing and reheating frozen naan bread
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen naan bread, you’ll need to defrost and reheat it properly. Here are the steps to follow:
- Thawing:
- Remove the desired number of naan pieces from the freezer.
- If you wrapped the naan individually, unwrap and place on a plate or baking sheet. If they were stacked in a container, separate them.
- Allow the naan to defrost at room temperature for about 1-2 hours until completely thawed. Avoid using a microwave or oven to defrost as this can cause uneven heating.
- Reheat:
- Preheat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over a medium heat.
- Once the naan bread is defrosted, place it on the preheated pan or griddle. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until warm and lightly toasted.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the naan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Remember, reheated naan may not have the same texture as freshly made naan, but it will still be delicious and a wonderful accompaniment to your meals.
Conclusion
Freezing naan bread is a convenient and practical way to have this delicious flatbread on hand whenever you need it. By following the correct freezing, thawing and reheating techniques, you can maintain the quality and flavour of the naan even after it has been frozen. Whether you’re making a large batch of naan or have leftover naan from a meal, freezing allows you to save time, money and effort while still enjoying the wonderful taste of naan bread. So give frozen naan a try and you’ll always have a delicious accompaniment to your meals.
FAQS
Can I freeze naan bread?
Yes, you can freeze naan bread. Naan freezes very well and can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How should I store naan bread in the freezer?
There are a couple of methods you can use to freeze naan bread. You can either wrap each piece individually in cling film or place them in a freezer-safe container. Another option is to use freezer bags to store the naan bread.
Will freezing naan bread affect its texture and flavour?
Freezing naan bread may slightly change its texture. Some naan bread may become slightly dry or brittle after freezing, while others may become soggy or chewy when thawed. However, with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can still enjoy delicious naan bread after it has been frozen.
How long can I keep frozen naan bread?
Frozen naan bread can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. It is recommended to label and date the naan bread for easy identification and to ensure that it is consumed within a reasonable time frame.
Can I heat up frozen naan bread?
Yes, you can reheat frozen naan bread. The preferred methods for reheating frozen naan bread are either on a stovetop pan or grill, or in a pre-heated oven. This will help to regain its warmth and toast, giving you a delicious and enjoyable naan bread.
Can I freeze homemade naan?
Absolutely you can! Homemade naan can be frozen just like store-bought naan. Make sure the naan is completely cooled before freezing and follow the recommended freezing methods to maintain its quality and flavour.