This easy naan bread recipe delivers soft, fluffy flatbreads with a slightly chewy texture, perfect for serving with curries, soups, or using as a base for wraps and pizzas. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have delicious naan bread fresh from your own kitchen.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375 g)
- Instant Yeast: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Warm Water: ¾ cup (180 ml)
- Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: 2 tbsp
- Garlic (optional): 2 cloves, minced (for garlic naan)
- Fresh Cilantro (optional): 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add warm water, Greek yogurt, and olive oil (or butter). Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin to form an oval or round shape, about ¼ inch thick.
4. Cook the Naan
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Brush with a little oil or butter.
- Place a piece of rolled-out dough onto the hot skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes.
- Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. Optional Garlic Butter
- If making garlic naan, mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it onto the naan immediately after cooking. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for garnish.
6. Serve
- Serve warm with your favorite curries, soups, or dips.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with classic curries like butter chicken or tikka masala.
- Serve with hummus or baba ghanoush for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use as a wrap for grilled vegetables or meat.
- Make mini naan pizzas with your favorite toppings.
- Serve with soups like lentil or tomato for dipping.
Cooking Tips
- Use a hot skillet for even cooking and beautiful charred spots.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook one naan at a time for best results.
- Brush each naan with butter while still warm to keep it soft and flavorful.
- Adjust the thickness when rolling out if you prefer thicker or thinner naan.
- Add herbs like parsley or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and a slight tang to the bread.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and flavor.
- No Preservatives: Freshly made without additives found in store-bought naan.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains no meat or fish.
- Customizable: Can be made dairy-free by substituting yogurt with a plant-based option.
- Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
Nutritional Facts (Per Naan)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Storage
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- Refrigerator: Store cooked naan in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze naan in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or oven to restore freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy: Perfect texture for dipping or wrapping.
- Versatile: Works well with any meal or cuisine.
- Quick to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- Customizable: Easily flavored with garlic, herbs, or spices.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults.
Conclusion
This easy homemade naan bread recipe is a delightful addition to any meal. Its soft texture, buttery flavor, and versatility make it a staple for pairing with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it with curries, using it as a wrap, or enjoying it plain, this naan is sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make naan without yeast? Yes, substitute with ½ tsp baking soda and ½ tsp baking powder for a quick version.
- What type of flour is best? All-purpose flour works well, but whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture.
- Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? Yes, but drain any excess liquid for the best results.
- Can I bake naan instead of pan-cooking? Yes, bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 5–7 minutes.
- How do I prevent naan from drying out? Brush with butter or oil immediately after cooking and cover with a towel.
- Can I add toppings to the dough? Yes, add minced garlic, chopped herbs, or sesame seeds to the dough before rolling.
- Can I use a non-stick pan? Yes, but a cast-iron skillet gives a better charred texture.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours and let it come to room temperature before rolling.
- Can I make gluten-free naan? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
- What can I do with leftover naan? Use it as a pizza base, make sandwiches, or toast it for crispy snacks.