Naan Bread
Naan is an Indian recipe; it’s a type of flat bread.
Traditionally they are baked inside a very hot clay tandoor oven, with charcoal or wood fire.
The naan bread are stuck to the inside of the oven just like the picture below.
The tandoor oven retains very high heat, up to 900°F and hence fills the inside of the flat bread with air pockets and bakes them to perfection.
In a modern day kitchen, we do not have a tandoor oven, but you can make naan at home with a hot cast-iron skillet on the stove stop, or bake in the oven.
My naan recipe is made on a stove top, using a very hot cast-iron skillet.
The naan turn out extremely delicious, soft, puffy, airy, with the beautiful golden brown spots on the surface.
They taste just like the best Indian buffet restaurants!
Frequently Asked Questions about Naan:
Is Naan Bread Healthy?
Yes, it is super healthy. My recipe is quick and easy, fail-proof and cooked on a skillet. You do not need a tandoor oven!
Does It Have Eggs?
There is no eggs in the recipe. Vegan can’t eat them as this recipe calls for yogurt, which is not vegan-friendly.
The Origin of Naan
It originated from Iranian. However, different countries have its own version of the bread.
It’s a staple in Iran, many middle eastern countries, the Indian subcontinent countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc.
The Difference between Naan and Roti
They are both flat breads but different because of the ingredients used. Roti, for example, chapati is made with whole wheat flour and there is no yeast.
Naan is made with all purpose flour and you will need yeast to make the dough.
Tips on How to Make Naan
- First, you want to make the dough by combining the yeast and flour together. Knead the dough with hand or using a stand mixer and then rest to double the dough in size.
- Divide the dough into 8 balls. Heat up a cast-iron skillet on high heat to make naan.
- The high heat makes the dough rises and fills the middle part of the bread with an air pocket. It’s done when burnt brown “blisters” or spots appear, just like my pictures.
- Brush the fresh-off-the-skillet naan with some melted salted butter and top them with cilantro leaves.
How Many Calories per Serving?
This recipe is only 295 calories per serving.
What Dishes to Serve with Naan?
They are great with Indian curries with sauce, for example: chicken tikka masala or butter chicken.
For a wholesome Indian dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
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How to Make Naan Bread?
Please refer to the recipe card below for detailed step-by-step method on how to make naan at home.
Naan Bread (The Best Recipe)
Naan - easy naan bread recipe using a cast-iron skillet. Soft, puffy with brown blisters just like Indian restaurants. This is the best recipe online!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 oz. (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- some oil, for greasing the skillet
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the sugar, warm water, and yeast together. Stir to combine well. The yeast should be activated when it becomes foamy, about 10 minutes. Transfer the flour to a flat surface and make a well in the middle. Add the yeast mixture, yoghurt, salt and oil, knead the dough until the surface becomes smooth and shiny, about 10 minutes. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place (for example: beside the stovetop or warm oven). The dough should double in size, about 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll the dough to a 8” circle using a rolling spin.
- Heat up a skillet (cast-iron preferred) over high heat and lightly grease the surface with some oil to avoid the dough from sticking to the skillet. Place the dough on the skillet. When it puffs up and bubbles and burnt spots appear, flip it over and cook the other side. Repeat the same until all dough are done.
- Brush the naan with the melted butter, serve warm.
Notes
Watch the cooking video on this page for step-by-step guide.
If the dough is sticky, add extra 2 more tablespoons of flour to bind the dough.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 295Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 12mgSodium 46mgCarbohydrates 48gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 8g
Mary
I just made this exactly as described and it’s perfect. Worth every calorie lol
Next time I’m pressing in slices of red onion and whatever herb I have on hand.
Thank you for this recipe!
Rasa Malaysia
😊👍
Molly
How far in advance can you make this bread? And what is the best way to store it?
Rasa Malaysia
Just freeze after making.
Deanna G
I am using a 1-1 gluten flour and the dough turns out dry and doesn’t rise well. I’ve tried it twice, and I’m beginning to think the flour isn’t really 1-1 for baking all things. Any suggestions?
Jeff
Excellent naan! I’ve tried five different naan recipes, but this one hits all the marks for me. They are so soft and chewy, perfect for sopping up a curry, dipping into hummus, used for a sandwich or even as a base for a quick pizza. This will be my go-to recipe now.
I did make a couple small changes: (1) I used milk in place of water, as it lends to a softer, more tender dough. (2) I ended up needing a whole cup more of flour in order to get a workable dough. (3) I only made six, not eight. And, even then, they are not large naan, but certainly big enough for a serving.
Rasa Malaysia
That’s great Jeff. Love the milk idea I will have to try that.
Jeff
Could you make this in a very hot oven (like 425F) or under a broiler?
Rasa Malaysia
I haven’t tried. It might work.
Jeff
I tried one under the broiler and didn’t like it. It came out too crispy. I did the rest on cast iron and they were perfect.
Jeff
I tried one that way and didn’t like it. It puffed like a pita and ended up too crispy. I’ll be sticking to the cast iron skillet method.
Rasa Malaysia
Great choice.
AP
I have made this recipe 3 times and every time it has turned out great. Once you’ve had it freshly made it’s life changing. I’ll never buy naan again. Thank you!
Rasa Malaysia
That’s awesome!
Penelope
Can I use plain Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes.
Nata
Can i leave the dough to rest longer than an hour or will that effect the end result?
Rasa Malaysia
Yes can rest longer.
Molly
How far in advance can you make this bread? And what is the best way to store it?
Zane
Just wanted to say that this is our fav recipe ever. Thank you so much for posting it. So fluffy and tasty.
Rasa Malaysia
Thank you!😊
Megan
Can you make this on an outdoor griddle grill?
Rasa Malaysia
No.
Rachel B
On a griddle style grill yes. No different than indoors on Ava’s stove with a griddle pan. Regular grill, no.
Kimberly
This is the most delicious naan we have ever eaten. We just made it and we’re already craving it again. This recipe is a keeper and I hope to make it for many years to come. We are so done with store-bought naan!
Rasa Malaysia
😊👍