Kontos Foods, Inc., a Patterson, New Jersey, USA-based manufacturer and distributer of traditional Greek and Mediterranean foods, has launched Tandoori-style Naan bread in original and garlic flavors under its Rustics Collection range of frozen products.
“Our Tandoori Naan breads are light and fluffy, providing a great accompaniment to virtually any meal,” said Steve Kontos,the company’s vice president. “Restaurants and home cooks can use them to create fusion cuisine offerings. They offer all the goodness and functionality of breads and wraps, with great taste and authentic Tandoori taste and texture.”
The oblong-shaped Naan bread, targeted at retail outlets, restaurants and foodservice establishments, contains no added preservatives. The Naan come two to a pack in a re-sealable bag with a zipper-style closure, in packaging that allows retailers to stack them on a shelf or hang them from a peg.
Within the coming months, Kontos Foods will be introducing two additional Rustics Collection flavors: Whole Wheat and Onion. The Rustics Collection extends its current line of over 50 ethnic-style breads, including Massala Nan, Kulcha Nan, Roghani Nan, Missy Roti, and Pan Planos.
Naan bread, one of the world’s first flatbreads, originated around 2600 BC in Tandoor ovens in India. Naan became a staple of ancient India, evoking delicious flavor, versatility and portability – the world’s first flatbread. The word “naan” is derived from the Persian word “non” which refers to “bread.”
Kontos’ Naan breads can be used for sandwiches, personal pizzas, toasted, or eaten right out of the package to accompany dips such as Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Tzatziki sauce, salsas, onion, or vegetable dip. The breads are ideal paired with soups or stews, or as a base for Mexican dishes such as huevos rancheros. Served with a dipping dish of extra virgin olive oil, the Rustics Collection also works well in a breadbasket. The fiber-rich Naan can even be served used as satisfying breakfast bread.
“US retail outlets are embracing the Kontos Rustics Collection because of their authentic flavor, texture, shape and versatility. We’re also receiving a very positive response from our retailers in Canada and the Caribbean, showing that this bread has widespread appeal,” said Warren Stoll, the company’s marketing director. “This Naan bread is re-invigorating the Indian and South Asian bread category.”
Established in 1987 by Evripides “Ervis) Kontos, the family-owned company specializes in hand-stretched flatbreads, including the Kontos Pocket-Less Pita, Fillo dough, pastries, olives, gyro meats, and Greek yogurts, as well as over 50 varieties of multi-ethnic flatbreads.
