For everyone who is fond of Indian cuisine or likes Pakistani food, we are certain you would love naan bread. Naan bread is basically a flatbread, and it’s made with a combination of flour and other ingredients. However, foreigners do ask, “why is naan bread so expensive?” and we have the answers for that!
Why Is Naan Bread So Expensive?
What Is Naan Bread?
Before we talk about the reasons why naan bread is so expensive, why don’t we go through the background a bit? So, the naan was basically invented anywhere between Pakistan and India, but it has become famous all around Iran, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Xingjian, Myanmar, and Tajikistan. In addition, it has popular in Persian Gulf, Canada, and the United States. It is made with dough that’s made from yeast, flour, yogurt, and water.
The Reason Behind Expensive Price
For the most part, it’s a simple flatbread with a rich flavor. It’s made in the Tandoor oven, and it’s a traditional way of making naan. Truth be told, tandoor has to be built from scratch, which makes it one reason behind the higher price factor. The second reason behind high price is that the ingredients are expensive (high-quality flour has to be used, which spikes up the prices). Even more, some people enrich the flavor of naan bread with rose flavoring, khus, sesame seeds, or nigella, which could be another behind high price.
Alternatives Of Naan Bread
For people who think naan bread is too expensive, there are actually some cheaper yet equally delicious alternatives that you can enjoy. Some of these substitutes include the following;
1. Roti
You might know it as roti bread or chappati, which is a great alternative and is actually healthier as compared to naan bread. Roti is made with the dough which is made by kneading milled flour, water, and salt until it’s soft. The dough is put to rest for ten minutes, and it’s rolled to make thin bread. Once rolled, it is cooked on the hot pan on each side. However, roti bread is not leavened since it doesn’t have yeast. The best thing about roti is that it’s pretty light.
2. Paratha
To begin with, paratha can be a bit oily, so make sure you don’t fill up the calorie count. Now that we have warned you, paratha is known to be whole wheat bread, and they are fried in ghee and oil on the pan. It has a chewier, much dense, and flakier texture as compared to naan bread. The dough is made with the same dough as roti have, but it’s rolled and folded just like puff pastry. As a result, paratha has intertwined yet extremely crispy layers. Paratha is generally eaten with gravies and vegetables, and people eat it at dinner, lunch, or breakfast.
3. Puri
Puri is the flatbread with unleavened configuration, and it’s made with whole wheat dough. Puris originate from India, and it can be served with sweet as well as savory recipes. Puri is deep-fried since it’s cooked in extremely hot oil. All in all, it results in a crispy texture.
4. Pita Bread
Pita bread is made with wheat dough and has a leavened base. Pita bread is much more similar to naan bread, but the ingredients are a bit different. For instance, pita bread doesn’t have milk and yogurt, which leads to a bit tough and dry texture. It is generally sliced and filled with cheese, meat, lettuce, sauces, and other condiments. In addition, pita bread can be used as a base for pizza and makes a great sandwich.
5. Tortilla
If you aren’t in the USA or other western countries and want an economical alternative to naan bread, tortilla is a great option. To be honest, it doesn’t have a similar texture to naan bread, but it’s pretty delicious. You can consume tortillas with chicken tikka and butter chicken. All in all, it’s made with wheat flour and is often leavened.
6. Kulcha
Kulcha is actually a variation of naan and has a slightly leavened form. It is made from dough of maida (all-purpose flour), and it is cooked in the tandoor oven, just like naan bread. It is brushed with oil or ghee, but some people add seasonings as well. Moreover, Indians and Pakistanis stuff them with spices, meat, and potatoes.