When we were in Atlanta last week, we ate lunch at a restaurant a few blocks from our hotel called Naan Stop. I got a naanwich filled with chola (no, not that kind of chola) and a sweet apple-tamarind curry, which was messy, but delicious. Why are there not more naan restaurants?! There really should be.
I'm kind of convinced that naan is the new pita. You can use them both in the same ways--tear them into pieces and use them for dipping, make sandwiches with them, and use them instead of a traditional pizza crust. But what makes naan better than pitas is that now you can buy tasty naan in your local grocery store. While you can buy pitas too, so often they're dry and tasteless. I am not a big fan of store-bought pitas, but I'm pretty crazy about naan.
I've used naan as a pizza crust before, but the difference in this naan pizza recipe is that this time, I grilled it first. You can do this on an outdoor grill if you have one, but I just used a cast iron grill pan--much easier! Grill both sides of the naan until it's warmed and has nice grill marks on it, then top it with grape tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and drizzle the whole thing with a balsamic reduction.
This is the kind of meal I could eat all summer long. It's not fussy, it's simple to make, and it tastes delicious. Even if you like your caprese without tomatoes. (Yeah, that would be me.)
This post was originally published on June 10, 2013
Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ c. balsamic vinegar
- 2 naan
- Olive oil mister or cooking spray
- A handful or two of cherry or grape tomatoes halved (use heirloom if you can!)
- A handful or two of small fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine
- ¼ c. fresh basil ribbons
- Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until syrupy and reduced to about a tablespoon, 8-10 minutes.
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Spray both sides of one naan with olive oil and place it in the pan, pressing down on the top of it with a spatula to sear. Cook on each side until just beginning to char, about 2-3 minutes. Repeat with second naan.
- Top each naan with tomatoes, cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Cut into wedges and serve.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Kiersten that looks incredible! And naan shop...what a fun idea! Gorgeous images!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
My Mr is constantly urging me to open a naan restaurant with my creations. If I didn't want to give up a personal life to spend all of my time at a restaurant, I would. I love how versatile that little flatbread is. Have you tried making your own? I haven't ventured into that territory yet.
Kiersten says
YOU SHOULD! I wish this place had franchises--I want one in Raleigh. And no, I haven't tried making my own naan yet...
Caitlin says
I live here in Atlanta and have been meaning to try Naan Stop and yet always forget when trying to figure out where to grab food!
This pizza looks great and super simple!
Kiersten says
It's really good! Like Chipotle, for Indian food. 🙂 And they have 3 different vegetarian options--chola, dal, & paneer.
Martina says
Yum this looks delicious - I've used pita bread and wraps as pizza bases before but I haven't tried naan as a base. Great idea 🙂
Martina
http://snapshotsandwhatnots.typepad.com
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Doesn't naan totally make for the best pizza crust?? I LOVE it! 🙂
Joy // For the Love of Leaves says
I LOVE using naan for pizza crust!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
I love this! What a great idea for naan and an easy, fresh summer meal. Thanks for sharing!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Your photos are gorgeous and caprese is my favorite salad - love to see it transformed into a pizza!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I love using naan as a pizza crust! And your pizza is gorgeous - I love every single one of these toppings!
Marta @ What Should I eat for breakfast today says
Your picture appeared on my fb wall and I had to come over. It looks not only beautiful but also sooooo tempting.
anne |craving something healthy says
Naan is my new favorite bread/pizza crust/dipping tool too! I've also discovered that it's the perfect panini bread.
Kiersten says
I love it for sandwiches! Pita bread is always so hit-or-miss when I buy it (and usually miss) that I mostly buy naan now.
dixya| food, pleasure, and health says
delicious. I often use naan as a base for pizza and works so well. anything relating to caprese is awesome
katie says
I love that you used naan as the crust! This looks so fresh and just screams summer!
dishing up the dirt says
what a lovely pizza! love the idea of using naan as the pizza crust!
Corinna says
I am not a big fan of tomatoes either. Some kid in kindergarden told me that the seeds were 'fish eyes' and I have never recovered from that comment....
Kiersten says
Ha! That's funny. 🙂 I like tomatoes when they're cooked (most of the time), but they just don't appeal to me raw.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Your naan pizzas look incredible!
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ says
Balsamic Vinegar on mozzarella is something worth trying and the naan pizza is a fantastic idea!
Grace @ Earthy Feast says
Beautiful pictures for a beautiful dish! Now I know what I want for dinner!
BusyWorkingMama says
So beautiful and colorful! I love this recipe.
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
My goodness this looks so wonderful! I wish I had this for lunch today.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
My husband and I make naan pizzas all the time when we can't figure out what to have for dinner! Yours look delicious!
Natalie @ Once Upon a Cutting Board says
I totally agree - I haven't bought pitas in ages but I buy naan all the time, it's so versatile! Naan pizzas are one of my favourites; this version looks so fresh and light and perfect for summer!
Emily says
I haven't had naan in such a long time! Thank you for the great recipe, this is perfect for summer!
Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective says
Great-looking pizza! 🙂
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
Well, I had never heard of naan restaurants, and now I must find one. This is perfect summer food!