Naan Recipe: How to Make Soft and Fluffy Naan Bread at Home

Naan bread is a staple in Indian cuisine, known for its soft, fluffy texture and slightly charred flavor. This easy naan recipe will guide you through making delicious garlic naan bread at home, perfect for pairing with your favorite curries or enjoying on its own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe for naan bread is simple to follow and yields fantastic results every time.

Naan bread

Recipe by SouhailCuisine: Indian, Pakistani, AfghaniDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

hour

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

282

kcal

Naan is a soft, leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor oven. It’s made from flour, yeast, water, and salt, often enriched with yogurt or milk, and served warm with curries or stews

Ingredients

570g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tsp sugar
1½ tsp baking powder
½-1 tsp nigella or cumin seeds (optional)
2 tbsp melted butter
8 tbsp natural yogurt
2 garlic cloves, crushed (for garlic butter)
Small handful of coriander, finely chopped (for garlic butter)
Oil, for the bowl

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the seeds if using. Whisk to combine.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1 tbsp melted butter and the yogurt. Mix with your hands until absorbed. Gradually add 180-200ml water, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead and Rest: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rest for at least 1 hour.
Shape the Naan: Divide the dough into 8-12 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a round, oval, or teardrop shape.
Cook the Naan: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Dry fry each naan until puffed and browned on both sides. Remove from the pan.
Garlic Butter: Mix the crushed garlic with the remaining melted butter and coriander. Brush over the hot naan.

Notes

Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.
Seeds: Nigella or cumin seeds add a unique flavor but are optional.
Garlic Butter: For a richer flavor, brush the naan with garlic butter immediately after cooking.

Additional tips for the best Naan Recipe

Yeast Activation (if using yeast): Dissolve 1 tsp of sugar in 200ml of warm water, add 1 tsp of active dry yeast, and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
Dough Consistency: Aim for a soft, slightly sticky dough. Adjust with more flour or water as needed.
Kneading Technique: Knead by folding and pushing the dough with the heel of your hand. Rotate and repeat to develop gluten.
Resting the Dough: Let the dough rest in a warm place until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cold, preheat the oven to the lowest setting, turn it off, and place the covered bowl inside.
Rolling the Naan: Roll the dough lightly to keep air bubbles intact. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Cooking Surface: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for best results. These retain heat well and help achieve the characteristic charred spots on the naan.
Cooking Technique: Cook on high heat. Flip when bubbles form. For a smoky flavor, cook directly over a gas flame for a few seconds.
Garlic Butter Application: Brush garlic butter on the naan immediately after cooking. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm. If making ahead, wrap in a kitchen towel and reheat in a hot pan or oven.
Storage and Reheating: Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a hot pan or oven.
Flavor Variations: Add minced garlic, herbs, or cheese to the dough. Brush with flavored butters like herb or chili butter.
Healthier Options: Use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour, adjusting water content as needed.

FAQ

Can I make naan without a tandoor oven?

Yes, you can make naan without a tandoor oven. A cast-iron skillet or a regular oven will work just fine. Heat the skillet on high heat and cook the naan for 1-2 minutes per side, or bake them in a preheated oven at 475°F on a baking stone or tray.

Can I make naan with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can make naan with gluten-free flour, but the texture may differ slightly from traditional naan. You may need to experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add a little xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.

…and to conclude

This easy naan bread recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of Indian cuisine into your home. With its fluffy texture and delicious garlic butter, this garlic naan recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite curry or as a tasty snack on its own.

If you are a bread lover, check our recipe for Easy Cottage Cheese Bread Recipe: Soft, Tangy, and Perfect for Any Meal, and the Indian Fry Bread Recipe.