Soft and Fluffy Naan Bread Recipe
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375 g)
Instant Yeast: 1 tsp
Sugar: 1 tsp
Salt: 1 tsp
Warm Water: ¾ cup (180 ml)
Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup (60 ml)
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: 2 tbsp
Garlic (optional): 2 cloves, minced (for garlic naan)
Fresh Cilantro (optional): 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add warm water, Greek yogurt, and olive oil (or butter). Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it with your hands or a rolling pin to form an oval or round shape, about ¼ inch thick.
4. Cook the Naan
Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Brush with a little oil or butter.
Place a piece of rolled-out dough onto the hot skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes.
Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. Optional Garlic Butter
If making garlic naan, mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush it onto the naan immediately after cooking. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for garnish.
6. Serve
Serve warm with your favorite curries, soups, or dips.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with classic curries like butter chicken or tikka masala.
Serve with hummus or baba ghanoush for a Mediterranean twist.
Use as a wrap for grilled vegetables or meat.
Make mini naan pizzas with your favorite toppings.
Serve with soups like lentil or tomato for dipping.
Cooking Tips
Use a hot skillet for even cooking and beautiful charred spots.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook one naan at a time for best results.
Brush each naan with butter while still warm to keep it soft and flavorful.
Adjust the thickness when rolling out if you prefer thicker or thinner naan.
Add herbs like parsley or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and a slight tang to the bread.
Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and flavor.
No Preservatives: Freshly made without additives found in store-bought naan.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains no meat or fish.
Customizable: Can be made dairy-free by substituting yogurt with a plant-based option.
Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.
Nutritional Facts (Per Naan)
Calories: 200
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 1 g
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked naan in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze naan in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet or oven to restore freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft and Chewy: Perfect texture for dipping or wrapping.
Versatile: Works well with any meal or cuisine.
Quick to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Customizable: Easily flavored with garlic, herbs, or spices.
Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults.
Conclusion
This easy homemade naan bread recipe is a delightful addition to any meal. Its soft texture, buttery flavor, and versatility make it a staple for pairing with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it with curries, using it as a wrap, or enjoying it plain, this naan is sure to become a family favorite.