Transform your home oven into a tandoor by grilling naan directly on the grates
In short: Forget the pizza stone. By placing dough directly onto the top rack of a preheated oven, you can mimic the high-heat environment of a traditional tandoor. This method allows for rapid cooking, creating the signature charred bubbles and soft, chewy texture of restaurant-quality naan in just a few minutes.
The secret to this technique lies in the broiler, which provides the intense, direct heat necessary to puff the dough quickly. Before you begin, position one rack near the top of the oven and another below it, placing a tray or foil on the bottom rack to catch any falling debris. Crank your broiler to its maximum setting to ensure the grates are searing hot.
Preparation is key to handling the dough safely. Roll your naan as thin as possible, pressing toppings like garlic and cilantro directly into the surface with your rolling pin. To transfer the dough without burning your hands, wrap the sheet around your rolling pin, slide it into the oven, and unroll it directly onto the grates, topping-side down. If you prefer, you can bake one giant loaf instead of several smaller ones to make the process even more efficient.
Cooking happens in two stages. First, bake the bread topping-side down for a couple of minutes until it browns. If large bubbles inflate, use tongs to gently tamp them down. Flip the bread to finish the topping side for another minute or so, aiming for dark brown bubbles while keeping the rest of the surface soft. Once removed, immediately brush the hot bread with melted butter and a pinch of salt.
As you move through subsequent batches, the grates will become hotter and accumulate residue, which increases the risk of sticking. Keep a grill brush handy to clean the grates between rounds, and if necessary, use tongs to apply a thin film of oil to the metal. Whether you use a yeast-based dough or a baking powder version, the result is a superior, authentic texture that standard baking sheets simply cannot replicate.
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