What is a game changer recipe? Homemade Naan Bread. Seriously, once you try this, you might never go back to store-bought. I know that’s a bold statement, but it is true! Is it soft, pillowy, it’s slightly chewy and begging to be slathered with butter? What is your favorite curry and why? If you’re like me and love a good flatbread but always thought making it from scratch was the best way to make it, why don’t you try it? Is it intimidating to think about it Is this recipe surprisingly easy? Think of it as the bread version of that amazing, comforting hug you get after a long day – that’s it. Homemade Naan bread.
What is Naan bread?
What is naan bread? What do you think of it as a slightly leavened flatbread, traditionally baked in tandoor oven? What is South Asian cuisine? What is the meaning of “naan” in Persian? What are some culinary traditions? What are the best ways to serve it with curries, kebabs, or as a wrap for various fillings? What sets naan apart from other flatbreads is its soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, and often served with a salad. What is the flavor of yogurt added to the dough? What are some of the best sauces to soak up!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? This Homemade Naan Bread Recipe is just plain fantastic. What I love most is the *flavor*. The subtle tang from the yogurt, the touch of sweetness, and the slightly charred, smoky taste from the pan – it all comes together in a perfect symphony of deliciousness. Plus, it’s surprisingly *simple* to make. I know, I know, homemade bread can sound daunting, but trust me on this one. This recipe uses basic ingredients and a straightforward method that even a beginner can master. Another huge bonus is the *cost-efficiency*. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! It’s way cheaper than buying pre-made naan at the store, and it tastes so much better. And finally, the *versatility*! You can use this Homemade Naan Bread for just about anything. Dip it in curry, use it for wraps, make mini pizzas, or simply slather it with butter and enjoy it on its own. It’s even amazing as a side with soup! If you love garlic bread, you’ll adore naan spread with garlic butter. I have another recipe for garlic naan if you want to spice it up and add some extra flavors. Believe me, this Homemade Naan Bread will become a staple in your kitchen in no time!
How do I make homemade naan bread?
Quick Overview
How do I make homemade Naan bread? First, you’ll mix up a simple dough with flour, yeast, yogurt, and some other ingredients. Let it rise until doubled, then divide it into individual portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape, and then cook it in a hot skillet until puffy and lightly browned. How can I make homemade Naan bread? Brush with melted butter and voila! What is the best part about oven baking? What is the perfect slightly charred texture that’s characteristic of authentic naan?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting. I prefer using unbleached flour for a slightly better flavor, but bleached works just fine too.
* 1 teaspoon granulated sugar – just a little something to get the yeast going!
* 1 teaspoon instant yeast. Make sure it’s not expired! I learned that the hard way.
* 1 teaspoon salt – don’t skip this! It really brings out the flavors.
* 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm water. Not too hot, not too cold – just comfortably warm to the touch.
* 1/4 cup (60ml) plain yogurt. Full-fat yogurt will give you the best results, but you can also use low fat in a pinch. I’ve used Greek yogurt thinned with a little water and it worked great!
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, plus more for greasing the bowl.
For Serving:
* 2 tablespoons melted butter. You can use salted or unsalted butter depending on your preference. I sometimes add garlic powder to melted butter for extra flavor!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, make sure your skillet is ready to go. I like to use a cast-iron skillet because it holds heat really well, but any heavy-bottomed skillet can hold heat. How do you prepare dough? Heat it over medium-high heat. You want it hot so that the naan puffs up properly. In a large bowl, lightly grease an Olive Oil – this is where the dough will rise.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the yeast and salt throughout the flour, which is important for a smooth, Gluten Free diet. How do I develop a good flavor? I always give it a good whisk for at least 30 seconds!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yogurt, and Olive Oil. Whisk until smooth. If the water is warm enough to activate the yeast, it should not be so hot that it kills it. I usually aim for around 100-110°F (38-43°C). What is the best way to create a tender crumb?
Step 4: Combine
How do you mix wet and dry ingredients in a bowl? Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at time. Do not add too much flour to naan or it will make it tough. I always knead by hand, but you can use a stand mixer with dough hook if you prefer.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 1-1. 5 hours, or until doubled in size. The rising time will depend on the temperature of your kitchen. If it’s cold, you can place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off! ) to help it rise faster. I always let it double in size because that helps with the taste and final result.
Step 6: Divide & Rest
Is it necessary to punch down the dough to release air? Roll each portion into a ball, then cover and let rest for 10 minutes. How does gluten relax making the dough easier to roll out?
Step 7: Roll Out
On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball of dough into an oval shape, about 6-8 inches long. 4-6 inches wide. The thickness should be about 1/4 inch. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform – a little rustic charm is part of the appeal! I usually aim for a slightly irregular shape, it looks more authentic.
Step 8: Cook the Homemade Naan Bread
Carefully place one naan bread into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until puffed up and lightly browned with some charred spots. What gives naan its flavor? What is the best way to watch it closely, as it can burn quickly. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and brush with melted butter. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the Homemade Naan Bread immediately while it’s still warm and soft. Is this a good dipping sauce for curry?
What is the best way to serve it?
Let’s talk about serving suggestions! Homemade Naan Bread is so versatile, you can use it with almost anything.What is Indian Cuisine?Is this the obvious choice? Serve it alongside your favorite curries like Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, or Vegetables. What is the best way to soak up all those delicious sauces? What is a good dip for cooling things down?
For Grilled Meats:Use Homemade Naan Bread as a wrap for grilled kebabs, shawarma, or gyros. Add some fresh veggies and a dollop of yogurt sauce to make this meal complete and satisfying.
As Pizza Crust: What is theHow do you make homemade naan bread? Top it with your favorite toppings and bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
With Soup:Warm Homemade Naan Bread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of soup. Is it good to serve this with lentil soup, tomato soup or butternut squash soup? Growing up, we always had it with lentil soup during the winter months; what a cozy combo!
Simply with Butter: What are some ofSometimes the simplest things are the best. How do I make homemade Naan bread with melted butter? It’s pure comfort food!
How do I make homemade naan bread?
How do I make homemade Naan bread? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
How do I use Lukewarm water?How do you activate yeast? If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly. Aim for around 100-110°F (38-43°C). I always use a thermometer to make sure I get it just right.
Don’t Overknead: Overkneading the dough can result in tough naan. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. I’ve made this mistake before, and trust me, you can tell the difference.
Let the Dough Rest: Resting the dough after dividing it into portions allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out. I usually let it rest for 10 minutes.
Use a Hot Skillet: A hot skillet is essential for achieving that perfect puffed-up texture and those characteristic charred spots. Make sure the skillet is hot before you add the naan bread.
Brush with Butter: Brushing the cooked naan bread with melted butter adds flavor and keeps it soft. I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped cilantro to the melted butter for extra flavor.
Cook in Cast Iron: Cast iron retains the heat better, giving the Homemade Naan Bread a more even cook. If you don’t have cast iron don’t fret though, any heavy-bottomed skillet will still work.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover Homemade Naan Bread (which is rare in my house!), here are a few tips for storing and reheating it:
Room Temperature: Store cooled naan bread in an airtight container or a ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. It may become slightly drier, but it will still be edible.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store cooled naan bread in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze naan bread, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat naan bread, you can use a skillet, oven, or microwave. In a skillet, heat over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side. In the oven, wrap the naan bread in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. In the microwave, wrap the naan bread in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-30 seconds. I always like to reheat it in a skillet with butter for that extra taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Homemade Naan Bread! I truly hope you give this a try. It’s such a simple recipe, but the results are incredible. The soft, pillowy texture, the slightly charred flavor, and the endless possibilities for serving make it a winner in my book. Plus, it’s so much more rewarding than buying pre-made naan at the store. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my garlic naan recipe or my homemade pita Bread Recipe. Both are equally delicious and easy to make! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts, ratings, and any variations you try. And don’t forget to share your creations on social media – I’d love to see them!
Homemade Naan Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm water 105-115°F
- 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 cups All-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter for brushing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and yogurt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape.
- Cook naan on a hot griddle or baking sheet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Brush with melted butter.
