Soft Homemade Naan Bread
- Learn how to make perfectly soft, pillowy homemade naan bread with this foolproof recipe.
- This versatile Indian flatbread features a subtle tang and irresistible texture that pairs perfectly with any meal.
- Better than store-bought, this naan recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and basic techniques.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 naan breads 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full fat recommended)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup warm water (105-110°F)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder (optional, for extra fluffiness)
- 2–3 tbsp melted butter or ghee, for brushing
- 2–3 cloves minced garlic (optional, for garlic naan)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 tsp nigella seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and optional baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt and oil until smooth.
- Make a well in the center of dry ingredients and pour in yeast mixture and yogurt mixture.
- Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding minimal flour if needed.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
- Punch down dough and divide into 6-8 equal portions. Shape into balls.
- Cover and let rest 10-15 minutes.
- Roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Place shaped dough on the hot dry surface and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbles form.
- Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until charred spots appear.
- Brush immediately with melted butter or ghee.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Stack cooked naan in a cloth-lined basket and cover to keep warm and soft.
Notes
- For garlic naan, mix minced garlic with melted butter and brush on after cooking.
- For cheese-stuffed naan, place 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center of rolled dough, fold edges over, seal, and gently re-roll before cooking.
- The cooking surface must be very hot to achieve proper bubbling.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 175
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 10
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