Homemade Naan Bread Recipe

Naan bread is a traditional Indian flatbread that is soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy. It is often served with Indian dishes like curry, but it is versatile enough to pair with a variety of cuisines. The dough is made with flour, yogurt, and a leavening agent, which gives it a unique texture and flavor. Cooked on a hot skillet or griddle, naan develops beautiful charred spots and a puffy appearance. Brushing it with butter or ghee and adding toppings like garlic, cilantro, or sesame seeds can enhance its flavor. Making naan at home is simple and rewarding, yielding a delicious bread that complements many meals perfectly.

Homemade Naan Bread is a soft and fluffy Indian flatbread that pairs perfectly with curries, dips, and various other dishes. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as garlic, chopped cilantro, or sesame seeds. This delicious bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

INGREDIENTS

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups, plus extra for dusting. Forms the base of the dough.
• Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Helps the dough rise.
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon. Works with the baking powder to leaven the bread.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the bread.
• Sugar: 2 teaspoons. Adds a hint of sweetness and helps with browning.
• Plain Yogurt: 1/4 cup. Adds moisture and a slight tang to the dough.
• Warm Milk: 1/2 cup. Helps to activate the baking powder and soda.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, plus extra for greasing. Adds richness to the dough.
• Butter or Ghee: For brushing (optional). Adds a rich, buttery flavor.
• Garlic, Chopped Cilantro, or Sesame Seeds: For topping (optional). Adds extra flavor and texture.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2:

Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the plain yogurt, warm milk, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. This step combines the wet and dry ingredients to form a cohesive dough.

Step 3:

Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten in the dough, giving it structure and chewiness.

Step 4:

Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This step allows the dough to rise and develop flavor.

Step 5:

Preheat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. This step ensures that the cooking surface is hot enough to properly cook the naan.

Step 6:

Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. This step prepares the dough for rolling and cooking.

Step 7:

Roll Out the Dough: Roll out each ball into a thin oval or round shape, about 1/4 inch thick. This step shapes the naan for cooking.

Step 8:

Cook the Naan: Cook the naan bread on the skillet or griddle for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up. This step cooks the naan, giving it a delicious, slightly charred flavor.

Step 9:

Add Toppings: Brush with butter or ghee and sprinkle with chopped garlic, cilantro, or sesame seeds, if desired. This step adds extra flavor and richness to the naan.

Step 10:

Serve: Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite curries or dips. This step ensures the naan is enjoyed at its best.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve Warm: Naan is best served warm, straight from the skillet, to enjoy its soft and fluffy texture.
• Pair with Dishes: This naan pairs perfectly with curries, stews, and dips like hummus or tzatziki. It also makes a great base for wraps and sandwiches.
• Customize Toppings: Enhance the flavor of your naan by brushing with melted butter or ghee and sprinkling with chopped garlic, cilantro, or sesame seeds.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover naan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Properly: To reheat, warm the naan in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave for a few seconds, but this may make the naan less crispy.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked naan. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen at 375°F until warm.
• Avoid Overheating: Be careful not to overheat the naan when reheating, as this can make it dry and tough.

Helpful Notes

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh yogurt and milk.
• Adjust Thickness: Roll the dough to your desired thickness. Thicker naan will be softer and chewier, while thinner naan will be crisper.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different herbs and spices to the dough or toppings, such as cumin seeds, nigella seeds, or chopped fresh herbs.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Madhur Jaffrey recommends letting the dough rest for a bit longer for a softer texture.
• Chef Sanjeev Kapoor suggests using a cast iron skillet for an even heat distribution and better flavor.
• Chef Jamie Oliver advises experimenting with different toppings to find your favorite combination.