If you’ve ever dined at an Indian restaurant, you know that naan is the ultimate companion to a delicious curry. This naan recipe will help you recreate that soft, fluffy, slightly chewy, and perfectly charred bread right in your kitchen. Whether you’re pairing it with butter chicken, dal, or using it as a wrap, naan is a must-have on your table.
What makes this naan recipe truly special is its ease and versatility. Traditional naan is made in a tandoor, but you can achieve an amazing texture using a stovetop or oven. The dough, enriched with yogurt, creates a pillowy softness that’s irresistible. Plus, this recipe requires simple pantry staples, making it accessible even for beginners.
Expect warm, aromatic naan with a beautiful golden-brown char, slightly crispy edges, and a soft, airy center. The flavor is slightly tangy from the yogurt, rich from the butter or ghee, and enhanced with a touch of garlic or herbs. Whether you prefer classic, garlic, or cheese naan, this recipe has got you covered.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Naan bread
8
servings1
hour30
minutes30
minutes282
kcalNaan 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
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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.
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Why This Naan Recipe Works
A great naan recipe balances tenderness, chewiness, and that signature char. Here’s why this method delivers exceptional results:
1. Yogurt for Softness
Yogurt is a key ingredient because its acidity helps tenderize the dough, making the naan extra soft. It also adds a subtle tang, which enhances the flavor.
2. The Right Leavening
Unlike traditional yeast bread, this naan recipe uses a combination of yeast and baking powder. Yeast provides structure and a slight chewiness, while baking powder adds instant lightness.
3. High Heat Cooking for the Perfect Char
Naan gets its signature flavor from high-heat cooking, which creates those beautiful brown spots and a slightly smoky taste. While a tandoor oven is ideal, a cast-iron skillet or a very hot oven can mimic that effect.
4. Resting the Dough for Maximum Flavor
Letting the dough rest allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out while developing a deeper flavor.
5. Customization Options
This naan recipe is incredibly versatile! You can make it plain, add garlic, stuff it with cheese, or even make a whole wheat version for a healthier take.
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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
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.
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.
Final Thoughts
This naan recipe proves that you don’t need a tandoor to make restaurant-quality naan at home. With simple pantry ingredients and a little patience, you’ll achieve soft, fluffy, and perfectly charred naan that pairs well with any dish. Whether you keep it classic, add garlic, or stuff it with cheese, homemade naan is always a hit.
If you love Indian flavors, you might also enjoy making Kadai Paneer, a bold and aromatic dish that pairs wonderfully with naan. For a fusion twist, try this Naan Pizza, which transforms your freshly made naan into a delicious pizza base. And if you’re a fan of spicy flavors, give this Spicy Keema Cheese Naan a try—it’s packed with bold spices and melty cheese.
Homemade naan is a game-changer for your meals. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again!
Give this naan recipe a shot and let us know how it turns out. If you’re looking for more delicious bread recipes, check out this Homemade Sandwich Bread or the Crusty Italian Bread for more inspiration. Happy cooking!
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