Are you one of those people who love indulging in Indian food but feel guilty about the calorie count? 1 Piece (1/4 10" Dia) Indian Flatbread Naan contains about 137 calories, and it is hard to resist its delicious taste. In this article, we will explore the nutritional value of Indian Naan bread and its health benefits so that you can enjoy it guilt-free.
Indian Naan bread is a traditional Indian flatbread that is popularly served with curries and other dishes. It is made using wheat flour, yeast, milk, and ghee (clarified butter). Naan bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates and is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies to help you make healthy choices when it comes to Indian Naan bread.
Calories in Indian Naan Bread
As mentioned earlier, 1 Piece (1/4 10" Dia) Indian Flatbread Naan contains approximately 137 calories. However, the calorie count may vary based on other ingredients used to prepare it, such as cheese, butter, or garlic. It is essential to keep a check on your portion size while eating Naan bread as it is high in calories. It is best to pair it with a healthy dish and avoid overeating.
Nutritional Value of Indian Naan Bread
Indian Naan bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing about 22 grams per piece. It is also rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamin B6, iron, and calcium. However, Naan bread is also high in fat due to the use of ghee or butter in its preparation. The fat content may vary based on the recipe, but it is essential to consume in moderation.
Indian Naan Recipe
If you want to try making Naan bread at home, here is a simple recipe: Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- ¾ cup warm milk
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add in the ghee and warm milk. Mix until a dough is formed.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes and let it sit for 2 hours in a warm place.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
5. Cook the Naan bread on the skillet until it puffs up and browns. Serve hot.
How Many Calories in a Serving of Naan
A serving of Naan bread typically consists of one piece (1/4 10" Dia), which contains around 137 calories. However, the calorie count may vary based on the ingredients used in preparation. It is essential to keep a check on the portion size while consuming Naan bread to avoid going overboard with calorie intake.
Health Benefits of Indian Naan
Indian Naan bread is a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which provide energy and promote digestion. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, iron, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining overall health.
Naan and Weight Loss
Although Naan bread is high in calories, it is still possible to enjoy it while trying to lose weight. The key is to consume it in moderation and pair it with healthy dishes that are low in calories and high in nutrition. You can also consider making some alterations to the traditional Naan bread recipe to make it healthier. For example, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or replacing ghee with a healthier alternative like olive oil.
Is Naan Bread Healthy?
While Naan bread is a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, it is also high in calories and fat due to the use of ghee or butter in its preparation. Consuming Naan bread in moderation and pairing it with healthy dishes is the key to enjoying its taste while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Vegan Naan Recipe
Here is a vegan Naan bread recipe that you can try at home: Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add in the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a dough is formed.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes and let it sit for 2 hours in a warm place.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
5. Cook the Naan bread on the skillet until it puffs up and browns. Serve hot.
Low-calorie Naan Alternatives
If you're looking for low-calorie Naan alternatives, you can try the following: - Roti: A traditional Indian flatbread made using whole wheat flour that is lower in calories and fat than Naan bread.
- Pita bread: A Middle Eastern flatbread that is lower in calories and fat compared to Naan bread.
- Lavash bread: A thin Middle Eastern flatbread that is lower in calories and fat than Naan bread.
Gluten-free Naan Recipe
Here is a gluten-free Naan bread recipe that you can try at home: Ingredients: - 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp ghee or olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add in the ghee or olive oil and warm water. Mix until a dough is formed.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes and let it sit for 2 hours in a warm place.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch.
5. Cook the Naan bread on the skillet until it puffs up and browns. Serve hot.
Never underestimate the power of bread. It can either be the best or the worst thing for you depending on how you make and consume it.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Flatbread Naan
1. What is Indian flatbread naan?
Naan is a type of Indian bread that is traditionally made in a tandoor or clay oven. It is a leavened bread, meaning that it rises before it is cooked, and is typically made with flour, yogurt, and yeast.
2. How many calories are in one piece of naan?
One piece of naan that is 1/4 of a 10" diameter is 137 calories.
3. Is naan gluten-free?
Most naan recipes contain wheat flour which contains gluten, so traditional naan is not gluten-free. However, there are some recipes that use alternative flours such as chickpea flour or rice flour that may be gluten-free.
4. How is naan typically served?
Naan is commonly served as a side dish with Indian curries or other main dishes. It can also be stuffed with ingredients such as cheese or garlic and served as an appetizer or snack.
5. Can naan be reheated?
Yes, naan can be reheated in a toaster, oven, or microwave. To keep it soft and moist, it is best to wrap it in a damp paper towel before reheating.