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    Home » Flatbread » Afghan Flatbread | How to make Afghan Nan

    Afghan Flatbread | How to make Afghan Nan

    Published: Apr 2, 2018 · Modified: Sep 23, 2020 by Srivalli · 16 Comments

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    Afghan flatbread is the national bread of Afghanistan and is the everyday bread. It is also referred by various names as Noni Afghani, Nan-i-Afghan, Afghani Nan or Nan-e Barbari. This Afghan Flat bread is made with all purpose flour and baked in a variety of shape and size like oval or rectangular.

    Typically baked in a tandoor, traditionally made using a starter referred as the Khamir Toursh. In modern recipes, yeast is used and it is baked in Oven. They even make it with whole wheat flour.

    I adapted my Afghan flatbread from this recipe. Afghan FlatBread or Afghan Nan are loaves that are long oval-shaped, measuring about three feet long, speckled with Nigella seeds. These are traditionally cooked in a clay oven/tandoor built into the earth. The searing hot wall of the tandoor cooks this bread in minutes and tastes out of the world when it is piping hot straight out of the oven.

    Planning for A to Z International Flatbread starting with Afghan Nan

    Afghan Nan is my first choice in this A to Z Flatbreads, where I am cooking 26 flatbreads in A to Z English Alphabetically order across the globe, with a sub theme of 4 different categories like Flatbreads for Lunch, Breakfast, Street Food and my own twist to the Sweet Dishes.

    When I started checking out the different flatbreads, I read about Afghan Flatbread and didn’t go any further. I came across this wonderful post that talked so much about this Afghan Flatbread and how it is made. The author also shared a traditional recipe with loads of tips about making it in an oven.

    Traditionally Nan is made using a starter referred to as the Khamir Toursh but this recipe is made using packet yeast. Another factor is having the oven to a very high temperature and sprinkling the bread with water in intervals of baking. I believe Afghans eat a lot of this nan, for almost every meal.

    I paired it with a creamy mutter masala and it was so delicious. In fact, Konda and Peddu eat it as such before I could even offer the gravy!

    I made half of the recipe, quoting the original recipe below for reference.

    I am doing the April Mega BM for the first time in this space and Afghan Flatbread is my choice for A in the A to Z International Flatbread that I am doing all of this month.

    If you are interested to know what's A for Street Food, Check my other space.

    Afghan Flatbread

    Other Flatbreads you can try!

    • Podpłomyki ~ Armenian Flatbread
    • Laffa Bread ~ Israeli Flatbread
    • Sheermal ~ Awadhi Flatbread
    • Yufka ~ Turkish Flatbread

    In A to Z International Flatbreads

    A for Afghan Flatbread

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    How to make Afghan Flatbread

    Step by Step Pictures for making Afghan Flatbread

    How to make Noni Afghani 1

    Afghan Flatbread | How to make Noni Afghani

    Making the Dough

    Put the flour, salt, and yeast in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a dough blade. Process it for a few seconds to mix the ingredients. Next, add the oil to the flour.

    Now slowly add the water to the flour with the processor running. Depending on how the dough comes together, add or continue processing. After a few minutes, the dough will come together in one smooth lump and it will move around the food processor. Let it swirl a couple of times and then it’s ready to rest.

    How to make Noni Afghani 2

    If you don’t have a food processor, you can make the bread by hand. Pour all the dry ingredients into a big bowl and mix well. Add oil and mix further. Gradually add the water and knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes the dough is smooth and elastic.

    Cover the bowl with cling film. Let the prepared dough rest in a warm place for 2 hours. Punch down the dough. The dough is ready for baking. I normally preheat my oven and rest the dough after preheating is done with the oven switched off.

    How to make Noni Afghani 3

    Baking the Bread or Noni Afghani

    Preheat oven to 500 F/ 260 C. In my oven, the highest is only 215, so I had to bake at this temperature only.

    Spread some flour on the work surface. Ensure the dough doesn’t stick to your hands by dusting well. Divide the dough into three balls and work it gently into an oval that measures about 1 & 1/2 foot long and 1/2 inch thick.

    As you stretch the dough it will pick up some of the flour from the work surface, make sure that you add more flour or the dough will stick to the work surface. Shape the bread, make three deep lines (don’t cut the dough) lengthwise on the surface of the dough with a knife.

    Once the oven is very hot, gently lay the shaped dough onto the baking tray and sprinkle with nigella seeds. Gently press the seeds into the dough. Place the dough in the oven, spray 5-6 times with your spray bottle and bake for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, spray the bread around 5-6 times and continue to bake for another 5 minutes. The nan should be golden brown and crusty on the outside. Since I couldn’t find my spray bottle, I sprinkled water over the bread.

    Nân-i Afğânī

    Allow the bread to rest for 5 to 7 minutes after baking. You can cut it into 3-inch squares or however you want to serve. I served it with a creamy peas gravy.

    The original recipe for Noni Afghani calls for bread flour, I just replaced it with regular flour.

    Afghan Nan
    Afghan Flatbread
    Print Pin
    5 from 2 votes

    Afghan Flatbread | How to make Afghan Nan

    Afghan flatbread is the national bread of Afghanistan and is the everyday bread. It is also referred by various names as Noni Afghani, Nan-i-Afghan, Afghani Nan or Nan-e Barbari. This Afghan Flat bread is made with all purpose flour and baked in a variety of shape and size like oval or rectangular.
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Afghanistan
    Keyword Everyday Meal
    By Cook Method Oven
    Occasion Everyday Meal
    By Diet Vegetarian
    Dish Type International Flatbread
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Resting Time 2 hours
    Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Author Srivalli

    Ingredients

    • 5 cups All purpose flour
    • 2 tsp Salt
    • 1 Instant Yeast packet
    • 5 tsp Cooking Oil
    • 2 cups Water Warm
    • 1 tsp Nigella Seeds optional
    • Water as required, spray bottle filled with water or you can sprinkle

    Instructions

    • Put the flour, salt and yeast in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a dough blade. Process it for a few seconds to mix the ingredients. Next, add the oil to the flour.
    • Now slowly add the water to the flour with the processor running. Depending on how the dough comes together, add or continue processing. After a few minutes, the dough will come together in one smooth lump and it will move around the food processor. Let is swirl a couple of time and then it’s ready to rest.
    • If you don’t have a food processor, you can make the bread by hand. Pour all the dry ingredients in a big bowl and mix well. Add oil and mix further. Gradually add the water and knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes the dough is smooth and elastic. Once the dough is done, set it in a large bowl, cover with cling film and keep in a warm place for 2 hours. Punch down the dough. It is ready to be baked. I normally preheat my oven and rest the dough after preheating is done with oven switched off.
    • Preheat oven to 500 F/ 260 C. In my oven highest is only 215, so I had to bake at this temperature only.
    • Spread some flour on the work surface. Ensure the dough doesn’t stick to your hands by dusting well. Divide the dough into three balls and work it gently into an oval that measures about 1 ½ feet long and ½- inch thick.
    • As you stretch the dough it will pick up some of the flour from the work surface, make sure that you add more flour or the dough will stick to the work surface. Once the dough is shaped make three deep lines (don’t cut the dough) lengthwise on the surface of the dough with a knife.
    • Once the oven is very hot, gently lay the shaped dough onto the baking tray and sprinkle with nigella seeds. Gently press the seeds into the dough. Place the dough in the oven, spray 5-6 times with your spray bottle and bake for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, spray the bread around 5-6 times and continue to bake for another 5 minutes. The nan should be golden brown and crusty on the outside. Since I couldn’t find my spray bottle, I sprinkled water over the bread.
    • Once the bread is baked, let it sit for few minutes, before you cut into 3 inch squares or as how you want to serve.
    • I served it with a creamy peas gravy.

    Notes

    The original recipe calls for bread flour, I just replaced it with regular flour.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooking4all or tag #cooking4all!
    BMLogo

    An InLinkz Link-up

    « "Explore the Flavors" of International Flatbreads in A to Z order!
    Bale Hannina Chapathi | How to make Karnataka Banana Rotti »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Harini says

      April 02, 2018 at 1:25 am

      You have picked the themes very cleverly and kudos to your thought process. Amazing bread which I understand is also a traditional one.

      Reply
    2. cookingwithsapana says

      April 02, 2018 at 1:54 am

      Seriously I did not even started cooking until last week and here how meticulously you chose and planned everything. Kudos to you Valli. Afghani naan bread looks perfect to pair with any side dish.

      Reply
    3. Pavani says

      April 02, 2018 at 3:38 am

      That is a simple and straight forward flat bread with minimum ingredients. Love how soft and flaky the bread turned out. Looking forward to your delicious flatbread creations this month.

      Reply
    4. manjulabharathkumar2016 says

      April 02, 2018 at 4:13 am

      wow such an amazing naan bread there looks so delicious !! and Liked your detailed recipe explanation.. you are so good at making themes and also choosing the recipes .. Salute to you for the efforts !! Looking forward to all your breads..

      Reply
    5. vaishalisabnani says

      April 02, 2018 at 4:27 am

      The Afghan Bread looks nice and crisp , I have seen these breads being baked in Delhi , right on streets . They taste awesome and I like the way you have explained the recipe with so much detailing . Super choice for the alphabet , and interesting sub themes .

      Reply
    6. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

      April 02, 2018 at 4:53 am

      What an amazing texture the Afghan bread has. It has been in my to do list for a while now. I now know where to bookmark this from. Baking with moisture /steam gives such a great texture ti the bread. Great choice Valli!

      Reply
    7. Gayathri Kumar says

      April 02, 2018 at 5:42 am

      I have seen these breads in a travel show. They are huge and amazing. You have done a good job of recreating them at home. No wonder kids loved it..

      Reply
    8. Suma Gandlur says

      April 02, 2018 at 8:37 am

      Wow, the texture of the bread looks amazing. I haven't finished cooking for one blog and you are doing two A to Z themed ones. Great, Valli.

      Reply
    9. Sharmila - The Happie Friends Potpourri Corner says

      April 02, 2018 at 10:35 am

      You are such an inspiration to all of us Valli.. two Mega BM and that to A-Z .so much handwork and dedication and we can see everything right in the screen.. Lovely share..

      Reply
    10. Priya Suresh says

      April 02, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      Omg, seriously you rock Valli, now am tempted to run Megamarathon in my blog also, but time doesnt permit me to do as though. That too with A-Z wowwing here. Bread looks fabulous and am sure this flatbread will definitely please anyone at home.

      Reply
    11. Sandhiya says

      April 02, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      Afgan Nan, so new to me and it's looks so flaky and delicious. Out of many reasons, the one reason that i love doing BM is always you learn something from others and got introduced to so many new recipes like this !!! Again kudos to your efforts and dedication !!!

      Reply
    12. Priya Srinivasan says

      April 02, 2018 at 10:37 pm

      Wonderful theme valli! Love the naan, paird with matar masala it must have tasted yumm! Looking forward to your other breads dear!!!

      Reply
    13. srividhya says

      April 03, 2018 at 1:24 am

      Looks soft and flaky... Very well baked. Awesome valli. A to Z by itself is difficult and you took the challenge of creating sub themes within them. Simply great.

      Reply
    14. kalyani says

      April 03, 2018 at 7:49 pm

      great start with the flatbread ! doing two blogs is kind of mind boggling.. hats off 🙂

      Reply
    15. simplytadka2 says

      April 04, 2018 at 1:09 pm

      Bread looks so crisp and delicious ... great start.

      Reply
    16. mayurisjikoni says

      April 04, 2018 at 10:24 pm

      Afghan nan looks so nice, soft and yet a bit crispy. Looking forward to the other flatbreads. Doing two mega blogging marathon is mind boggling. How do you manage??? I've yet to cook the other recipes for my chosen theme!

      Reply

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    Hi! Seasons change, yet there are some timeless recipes you can enjoy anytime. If you are sport for it, you are in the right place!

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