Homemade Naan Bread


Freshly made naan bread

My darlings, this naan bread recipe is truly a labor of love that brings the warmth and comfort of traditional Indian cooking right into your kitchen. There's something magical about the way these soft, pillowy flatbreads puff up on the stovetop, creating the perfect vehicle for soaking up flavorful curry sauces or simply enjoying with a brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic. The process of making naan might seem daunting at first, but I promise you, with a little patience and love, you'll master this technique in no time.

What makes this naan recipe special is its perfect balance of ingredients - the yogurt adds tenderness while the olive oil ensures a beautifully soft texture. The dough rises to create those signature bubbles and char marks that we all love in a good naan bread. Whether you're serving it alongside your favorite curry or using it as a base for a creative flatbread pizza, this versatile bread will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these beauties cook on the stovetop will transport you straight to the bustling streets of India, where the art of bread-making has been perfected over generations.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for rolling
  • 3 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast/rapid-rise yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 100°F)
  • 2 tablespoons melted salted butter
  • Method

    • 1. Whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.

    • 2. In another bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, and warm water. Add to dry ingredients and mix. Dust hands with flour and knead gently into a soft, sticky dough, adding more flour if needed. Stop kneading once combined.

    • 3. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.

    • 4. Dust work surface with flour. Shape dough into a rectangle and cut into 6 portions, using flour to prevent sticking.

    • 5. Heat a cast iron or heavy nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Roll each portion into an oval about 1/8-inch thick (9 x 4 inches).

    • 6. Shake off excess flour and place dough in hot pan. Cook until bubbled on top and golden underneath, about 3 minutes.

    • 7. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Brush with melted butter.

    • 8. Keep warm in a towel-lined dish. Repeat with remaining dough, adjusting heat as needed.


    Make it a Meal

    Naan Bread: History and Tradition

    Naan bread, with its distinctive tear-drop shape and characteristic bubbled, charred surface, has been a cornerstone of Indian cuisine for centuries. This beloved flatbread has traveled from the royal courts of the Mughal Empire to become a global favorite, cherished for its versatility and delicious taste.

    Traditionally, naan was baked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven that can reach extremely high temperatures. The dough would be stuck to the inner walls of the tandoor, where it would quickly puff up and develop its characteristic charred spots. While most home cooks don't have access to a tandoor, our stovetop method recreates these beloved characteristics using common kitchen equipment.

    The magic of naan lies in its ingredients and technique. The combination of yogurt and oil creates a tender crumb, while the high-heat cooking method ensures those beloved bubbles and char marks that make naan instantly recognizable. The addition of yeast, though not traditional in all versions, helps create a light, airy texture that's perfect for scooping up sauces.

    Creative Ways to Serve Naan


    While naan is traditionally served alongside Indian curries and dals, its versatility makes it perfect for many creative applications. Here are some innovative ways to enjoy your homemade naan:

    1. Garlic Naan: Brush with garlic butter and chopped fresh cilantro for a aromatic variation.
    2. Naan Pizza: Use as a base for quick pizzas, topped with your favorite ingredients.
    3. Breakfast Naan: Top with eggs, cheese, and vegetables for a unique breakfast.
    4. Dips and Spreads: Serve with hummus, baba ganoush, or other Middle Eastern dips.
    5. Sandwich Wrap: Use as a wrap for kebabs, grilled vegetables, or sandwich fillings.
    6. Sweet Naan: Brush with honey butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a dessert version.

    The versatility of naan bread makes it a valuable addition to any cook's repertoire. Whether you're serving it traditionally with curry, using it as a base for creative fusion dishes, or enjoying it simply with a brush of butter, this homemade naan recipe will bring the flavors of India to your kitchen.

    So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create these pillowy, delicious flatbreads that will transform your meals!