Description
Homemade Naan Bread is a soft and fluffy Indian flatbread made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, yogurt, and water. This recipe yields warm, pillowy naan perfect for scooping up curries or enjoying with melted butter or ghee brushed over the top. Made on the stovetop using a skillet, it’s a quick and easy way to recreate this traditional bread at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tbsp melted butter or ghee (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, and plain yogurt into the yeast mixture until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape Naan: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cook Naan: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until golden brown spots appear and the bread is cooked through.
- Brush and Serve: Remove the cooked naan from the skillet and brush immediately with melted butter or ghee. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure water is warm but not hot to properly activate yeast.
- Use plain yogurt for authentic texture and flavor.
- Cast-iron skillet works best for even heat distribution, but a non-stick pan can also be used.
- You can add garlic or herbs to the dough or brush for extra flavor.
- If you prefer softer naan, cover cooked naan with a clean kitchen towel to retain moisture.
