I wonder how many of you have had Naan? I don’t know why, but it took me years to finally try it. I’d heard a bit about it, but for some reason I just never remembered to give it a go. It is FANTASTIC!! Yes, I’m yelling it. It is so light, and airy, plus mine has garlic in it. mmmmmm Garlic.
I actually decided to give this recipe a go and turn it into our favorite kind of pizza for a reason. You see, Margarita Pizza is actually what got us cooking….
Years ago I worked for Jet Blue, (which I still consider to be an awesome airline and one of my favorites) and my husband and I decided to travel to San Fransico for our anniversary. We have both always loved food, and cooking, but I wouldn’t say we were really into creating out own recipes and ideas. Anyway, off we went to San Francisco and we had the most wonderful time. In fact, I would post a few pictures, but they are all on the computer upstairs, so clearly that would take far too much effort. 😉 We had a bunch of different foods there, but I’ll tell you what, three things really stood out.
When We Fell in Love With Basil
First was the pizza. I cannot even remember the name of the place, but it was delicious. I’ll probably never have another like it. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy, there was a tiny hint of garlic, and oh my holy cheese. It had to have been a fresh buffalo mozzarella. It was so unbelievably creamy. Last but not least, the basil. Listen, I know this doesn’t make any sense, and I’m positive it was sweet basil, because I asked, but it was the yummiest basil I had ever had. Aw crap, I’m hungry again.
How Sweet Basil, the Food Blog Was Born
This pizza is what started it all. We just knew that we could be cooking and eating better. Slowly over time, through amazing friends like, Lindy Baker, Nalani Badsgaard, Savannah Shaw, etc we started to experiment more and more. We were gathering recipes and spending all of our time reading about techniques, philosophies etc. Our palate began to change and our food philosophy grew. We finally decided that it would be fun to start putting our favorite recipes online so that we could share with our friends and family. And then people we didn’t even know began commenting. It had begun…
This has been a long journey and we still have so much to learn about food, health etc. We love it and we cannot wait to see what the future has in store for our little, Sweet Basil.
What Is Naan?
Naan is a flat bread.
It is a leavened bread used in Indian cooking.
What Is The Difference Between Greek Yogurt and Regular Yogurt?
Greek yogurt is strained 3 times.
It is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt.
Greek yogurt has a stronger flavor than regular yogurt.
Because Greek yogurt is concentrated, it has more protein than regular yogurt.
How Long Will Naan Keep?
Naan can be kept in an airtight plastic bag for 3 days at room temperature.
Or freeze naan for up to 2 months.
Grilled Garlic Naan Pizzas
Grilled Garlic Naan Pizzas
Description
Ingredients
Naan Bread
- 1/2 Cup Milk, Low Fat
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Instant Yeast
- 1 Egg
- 3 Tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 teaspoons Sea Salt
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Cup All-Purpose Flour, click here to see how to measure it as that can change the consistency
- 2 Cups Cake Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Water, **see note
Toppings
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Olive Oil
- 1 Clove Garlic
- Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese, found in the specialty cheese case
- Fresh Basil
Instructions
Bread
- Warm the milk and water in the microwave. Do not use hot water. If it gets too hot let it cool a touch.1/2 Cup Milk, 1/2 Cup Water
- Add the sugar and yeast and let proof (let it get all foamy and puffy). I realize you don't need to with instant yeast, but I do anyway. This should take about 10 minutes.1/4 Cup Sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons Instant Yeast
- In a large bowl add the egg, yogurt, salt and garlic.1 Egg, 3 Tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt, 2 teaspoons Sea Salt, 3 Cloves Garlic
- Whisk to combine.
- Once the yeast has proofed, add it to the large bowl with the other ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Add the flour and mix until the dough begins to come together.2 Cup All-Purpose Flour, 2 Cups Cake Flour
- Begin to knead the dough, until you produce a smooth ball. I almost always need one additional tablespoon of water. However, I have occasionally skipped it. If you are struggling to get a smooth dough, go ahead and add it.1 Tablespoon Water
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled (olive oil) bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place, for 30-60 minutes.
- Give the basil a quick chiffonade (click the link below for easy directions).
- Set aside.
- Cut up the tomatoes and place them in a bowl.Fresh Tomatoes
- Cover with just enough olive oil that they are completely submerged.Olive Oil
- Add one clove of garlic and let marinate for 15 minutes.1 Clove Garlic
- Use an oiled paper towel, squished between tongs to grease the grill.
- Heat a grill to medium high heat.
- Cut off chunks of the dough and pat it out to about 1/4" thick.
- Lightly oil one side and place it on the grill, oiled side down. We like to flip it once grill marks appear, but it's up to you. I also suggest moving the pizza just off the flame for the next step.
- Using a pastry brush, brush a little of the garlic and olive oil over the top crust and add tomatoes and mozzarella.Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese
- Close the lid until the cheese it melted.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy!Fresh Basil
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
chiffonade (click the link for easy directions).
Other great Pizzas-
BBQ Chicken Bacon
Four Cheese Margarita
From our fellow bloggers:
Double Delicious Pizza-Sweetnicks
Ranch Pizza- Taste and Tell
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Pizza-Barbara Bakes
Genie @ Bunny Eats Design
Fun idea. I’ve never tried making pizza using naan, but I have used tortillas many times. With naan, it might be fun to make chicken tikka pizza or use paneer for cheese.
Sweet Basil
Oh those sound fantastic! And I’ve never done the tortilla but that’s so much healthier. I need to try it.
a farmer in the dell
I am sort of stalking your blog right now! I love all of your recipes. This naan pizza sounds awesome. I am so happy I found your blog!
Sweet Basil
yay!!! Stalk away!
Megan Parr
Made this last night and it was SO GOOD. I had never heard of Naan until now. Really delicious. Thanks!!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Love this post and the Naan looks amazing!
Julie @ Table for Two
i love that this naan is made into a delicious looking pizza!! such a creative way to make pizza 🙂
Mariel
Sounds so good! Another great recipe from Carrian!
Sandy @Southwestgirl
What a great story! We love San Fran, it is one of the special places we run away to. I think it has the only bridge I don't freak out crossing!
Love your naan pizza! Now, off to vote…
Annalise
Love this story! And this pizza sounds delicious, you can't go wrong with a good margherita pizza. Oh, and I LOVE naan, so fun to think of a new use for it!
Cassie/Bake Your Day
Yes, I adore basil! And Naan. And naan pizza. I want this for lunch!
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions
San Francisco IS a special place! I haven't been in years but would love to go back one day! I have always wanted to make homemade Naan. Thanks for the inspiration!
Barbara Bakes
Fun to read your story of how it all began. The pizza sounds delicious!
Deborah
I love hearing the stories behind blogs – and I love you story! And I love this garlic naan – so delicious!
The Cooking Actress
I love the idea of using naan to make pizzas!!! They look absolutely mouthwatering!!