What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making homemade naan is easier than you think, and the results will have you wondering why you ever ordered takeout. You’ll love how soft and pillowy the bread turns out, with just the right amount of chewiness. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with curries, dips, or even as a wrap for your favorite fillings. Plus, the smell of freshly baked naan filling your kitchen is absolutely irresistible!
Recipe
Naan is a soft, pillowy flatbread that’s a staple in Indian cuisine. This homemade version is easy to make and delivers the perfect texture—soft, slightly chewy, and lightly charred.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for garlic naan)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add warm water, yogurt, and oil. Knead into a soft dough for 5–7 minutes.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a thin oval or round shape.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1–2 minutes per side until bubbles form and it’s lightly browned.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic or cilantro if desired.
Notes:
- For extra fluffiness, let the dough rise longer.
- If using a cast-iron skillet, preheat it well for better charring.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Skillet or griddle
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes (includes resting)
Cuisine: Indian
Serving: 8 naan breads
Nutrition
Naan is a delicious and versatile flatbread that can complement many meals. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of homemade naan.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 132 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 131 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing homemade naan with rich, creamy curries like butter chicken or chana masala—it’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Grilled meats, like tandoori chicken or kebabs, also go wonderfully with naan, adding a smoky flavor to the meal. You can’t go wrong with either, and it’s fun to mix and match based on your mood!
Curry Pairings
When you’re making homemade naan, it’s hard not to think about what you’ll pair it with, and for me, curry’s always the first thing that comes to mind. There’s something magical about tearing off a piece of warm, buttery naan and using it to scoop up creamy butter chicken or spicy paneer tikka masala. I also love pairing it with rich dal makhani or vegetable korma for a satisfying meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with a tangy vindaloo or a fragrant biryani. The soft, chewy bread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors. Trust me, it’s a match made in food heaven!
Grilled Meats
There’s nothing quite like the smoky, charred flavor of grilled meats, and figuring out what to serve alongside them can make the meal even more memorable. When I fire up the grill, I love pairing juicy kebabs, tender chicken tikka, or spiced lamb chops with warm, fluffy naan. The soft bread is perfect for scooping up every bit of flavor, and its slightly chewy texture balances the meat’s smokiness. Add a cool raita or a tangy mint chutney for a revitalizing contrast. Trust me, this combo turns a simple grilling session into a feast that’ll have everyone smiling.
