Homemade Naan Bread is a delightful treat that brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen. This soft, pillowy bread is perfect for scooping up rich curries, hearty stews, or simply enjoying on its own with a touch of butter. Making naan at home not only allows you to enjoy its deliciousness fresh out of the pan, but it also fills your home with the inviting aroma that will have everyone asking for more. Let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
Why Make This Homemade Naan Bread
There are many good reasons to prepare Homemade Naan Bread. First, it is incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. The freshness of homemade bread elevates any meal and allows you to customize flavors to your liking, such as adding garlic or fresh herbs. Plus, you can enjoy the warm, fluffy texture straight off the skillet, something you just can’t find in store-bought options.
How to Make Homemade Naan Bread
Making naan bread is a straightforward process that involves mixing, kneading, and cooking. Follow the steps below to create your very own batch of delicious naan.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: garlic, herbs for flavor
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together. This combination creates the base for your naan, ensuring it has the right flavor and structure.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the warm water, yogurt, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form, ensuring all the flour is incorporated.
Step 3: Kneading
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its delightful chewiness.
Step 4: Resting
Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours. This allows the dough to rise, making the naan light and fluffy when cooked.
Step 5: Preparing to Cook
Once the dough has rested, preheat a skillet or tandoor over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
Step 6: Shaping the Naan
On a floured surface, roll out each ball into an oval shape, making it as thin as you prefer. The thinner you roll, the more charred spots will appear in the cooking process—just like authentic naan!
Step 7: Cooking
Carefully place each rolled naan on the hot skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it puffs up and develops a light golden color. The sizzling sound and aroma are an indication that you’re on the right track!
Step 8: Finishing
Brush each naan with melted butter as it comes off the skillet. The warm butter adds a rich flavor and keeps the bread soft. Serve the naan warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Naan Bread
Homemade Naan Bread is versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite curry, grilled meats, or vegetable dishes. It’s also delicious as a base for wraps or pizzas. For a delightful appetizer, try serving naan with a variety of dips, like hummus or tzatziki.
How to Store Homemade Naan Bread
If you have any leftover naan, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the naan by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet or the microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Naan Bread
- Flour Selection: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but this may change the texture slightly.
- Kneading Time: Don’t skip the kneading step, as it greatly affects the texture of your naan.
- Wet Ingredients: If you want a softer naan, slightly increase the yogurt in the recipe.
- Flavor Additions: Try mixing in minced garlic or fresh chopped herbs into the dough for added flavor.
- Cooking Heat: Adjust the heat as necessary; if the naan is burning too quickly, reduce heat slightly.
Delicious Variations
- Garlic Naan: Add minced garlic to the dough or brush with garlic-infused butter before serving.
- Herb Naan: Incorporate finely chopped mint or cilantro into the dough for a fragrant twist.
- Cheese Naan: Stuff the dough with shredded cheese before rolling it out for a cheesy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make naan without yogurt? Yes, you can substitute yogurt with an equal amount of buttermilk or even sour cream, but this may change the flavor slightly.
- What’s the best way to reheat naan? For the best texture, reheat naan in a hot skillet for a few seconds on each side until warm and soft.
- Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, while all-purpose flour is commonly used, you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- How can I make my naan gluten-free? You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix, but be aware the texture may vary.
- Can I cook naan in the oven? Yes, you can bake naan in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) if you don’t have a skillet. Just place the naan on a baking sheet and bake for about 2-3 minutes.
Conclusion
Homemade Naan Bread is not just a side dish; it’s a labor of love that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With its soft texture and rich taste, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process of baking your own naan. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Homemade Naan Bread
- Author: sara
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat that brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen with soft, pillowy bread perfect for scooping up rich curries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: garlic, herbs for flavor
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together.
- Add the warm water, yogurt, and olive oil to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat a skillet or tandoor over medium-high heat and divide the dough into small balls.
- On a floured surface, roll out each ball into an oval shape.
- Carefully place each rolled naan on the hot skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Brush each naan with melted butter as it comes off the skillet and serve warm.
Notes
Store leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





