Recipe:
Mix the Dry Ingredients
First, add flour, yeast, salt, and sugar to a large bowl and mix well. If desired, you can replace 20 to 30% of the wheat flour with whole wheat or rye flour for a slightly heartier flavor.
Add Water, Milk, and Oil
Now add the milk and oil. The amount of water can vary depending on the flour. We recommend adding the water gradually. The dough should be easy to shape and not sticky to the touch.
Watch our video tutorial to see the perfect dough consistency!Knead the Dough
It’s time to knead the dough. Place it on a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, you can carefully work in a bit more flour.
Tip: Pay attention to the hand movements – they are key to achieving a smooth and evenly kneaded dough. In our YouTube video tutorial, you can watch an experienced chef demonstrate the perfect kneading technique – it’s incredibly helpful and educational!Let the Dough Rest
Divide the dough into six to eight equal portions and shape them into balls. The size of the dough portions depends on the diameter of your pan. Cover them with a cloth and let them rest for about 30 minutes. During this resting period, the dough will rise, resulting in softer and airier bread.
Roll Out the Dough
After resting, roll each dough ball thinly with a rolling pin. The dough should be almost as thin as a tortilla to ensure the bread turns out light and fluffy. Make sure the dough is evenly rolled out without any thick spots. Then, prick a few holes in the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during cooking.
Cook the Dough in a Pan
Preheat a pan over medium heat and place the rolled-out dough flatbread into it. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned, then flip and cook the other side. You’ll notice the dough puffing up and developing a beautiful golden color. To transfer the dough easily into the pan, you can use a homemade baking cushion – simply a clean cloth wrapped around a pillow. This helps maintain the dough’s shape and makes it easier to handle.
Place Flatbreads on a Cloth
Once the Taftoon is cooked, place the flatbreads on a clean cloth. The cloth helps retain moisture, keeping the bread soft and preventing it from drying out.
Serve Taftoon Naan
Taftoon pairs wonderfully with many Persian bread dishes. It’s especially popular for breakfast – served with cheese, butter, or jam – as well as with dishes like Mirza Ghassemi, Kashk-e Bademjan, or kebab. Traditionally, hand-sized pieces of bread are torn off, a portion of the dish is placed on top, garnished with herbs or pickled vegetables, and enjoyed – this is called “Loqmeh” (لقمه).
Want to discover more delicious Persian recipes? Visit our recipe page and use the filter function to find your next favorite dish!
