Naan bread is a staple of Indian cuisine, known for its soft and chewy texture and delicious taste. This traditional flatbread is usually made from flour, water, yeast, and yogurt and then cooked in a hot tandoor oven until it puffs up and develops a beautiful charred exterior. Naan can be enjoyed plain or flavored with garlic, herbs, or spices, making it a versatile accompaniment to curries, kebabs, and other Indian dishes. Whether served alongside a spicy curry or used to scoop up tasty dips, naan bread adds a delicious touch to any meal and is a very welcome change from the regular bread we’re used to. So don’t hesitate, use this recipe and prepare great Naan bread yourself at home. Don’t have an oven? That’s okay, you can still make it on the stovetop with a bit of luck.
Recipe
Ingredients in this recipe
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee
- Minced garlic (optional)
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it foams.
- Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in the mixture of activated yeast, yogurt, and melted butter or ghee (recommended).
- Mix everything until a dough is formed. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the finished dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal-sized balls (about 6 to 8, depending on the size you want).
- Preheat the oven to the highest setting or, if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
- Roll each ball of dough into a circle or oval about 1/4 inch thick.
- If you want garlic naan, sprinkle each naan with minced garlic and chopped cilantro and press them lightly into the dough.
- Place the naan on a baking sheet or directly on the preheated pizza stone and bake for about 5 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden.
- Remove the baked Naan bread from the oven and brush with melted butter or ghee before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Naan bread with your favorite curry or perhaps some sauce.
