Naan Bread Recipe – How to make the famous Indian bread

Naan is a soft, leavened flatbread from India, typically served with curries or grilled meats. This easy naan recipe will have you enjoying authentic naan right at home.

Naan is known for its tender, slightly chewy texture, often cooked in a tandoor. However, you can make it in your regular oven or even on a stovetop. The bread puffs up during cooking, creating a perfect pocket for fillings, and it’s traditionally brushed with melted butter or garlic.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 naan

Ingredients:

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 200ml (3/4 cup) warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 5g (1 tsp) salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 100g (1/2 cup) plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, yogurt, and olive oil, mixing to form a dough.
3. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Preheat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 portions. Roll each portion into a flat circle or oval.
6. Place one naan at a time into the hot skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side, until puffy and golden.
7. Brush with melted butter or garlic butter before serving.

Naan Bread Tips:

1. Use Yogurt: Yogurt makes the dough soft and adds flavor.
2. Warm Water: Use warm water to activate the yeast.
3. Resting Time: Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours to get a soft, pillowy texture.
4. High Heat: Cook naan on high heat (preferably in a hot tandoor or a cast-iron skillet) for the best texture and char.
5. Oil or Butter: Brush naan with butter or ghee after cooking for extra flavor.

Naan Bread Variations:

• Garlic Naan: Add minced garlic and fresh cilantro to the dough or brush on top. If you like garlic , check our garlic bread recipe !
• Cheese Naan: Fill naan with shredded cheese (mozzarella works well) before folding and rolling.
• Butter Naan: Brush the cooked naan with extra butter for a rich, indulgent flavor.
• Peshwari Naan: Add a sweet filling like coconut, raisins, and almonds inside the dough.
• Whole Wheat Naan: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
• Coriander Naan: Add fresh coriander (cilantro) to the dough for a fragrant twist.
• Spinach Naan: Incorporate chopped spinach into the dough for added nutrients and flavor.
• Plain Naan: Keep it simple with just flour, water, and a pinch of salt.