Naan bread, a staple in Indian cuisine, has gained worldwide popularity due to its soft, chewy texture and versatility. This simple recipe brings the authentic flavors of this traditional bread right to your kitchen, without the need for a tandoor oven. All you need is some common pantry items and a bit of patience to achieve the perfect homemade naan.
The ingredients for this recipe are relatively easy to find in most supermarkets. However, be aware that the type of yeast used is important. Active dry yeast is not the same as instant yeast. Also, plain yogurt is used in this recipe to give the naan its distinctive tangy flavor. Make sure to choose a yogurt that is unflavored and unsweetened to maintain the authenticity of the recipe. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the texture and flavor of the naan.
Key Ingredients for the Simple Naan Recipe
Milk: Milk acts as a binder for the dough and provides moisture that helps in achieving a soft texture.
Active dry yeast: This is a leavening agent that causes the dough to rise, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Sugar: Sugar is used to feed the yeast and kick-start the fermentation process.
All purpose flour: This forms the base of the naan dough. It can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Kosher salt: This enhances the flavors in the naan.
Olive oil: This helps in making the dough soft and pliable and adds a subtle flavor.
Plain yogurt: This gives the naan its characteristic tangy flavor and soft texture.
One reader, Arlin Perez says:
This simple naan recipe is a game-changer! The naan turned out soft and fluffy, with a perfect hint of tanginess from the yogurt. The step-by-step instructions were easy to follow, and the end result was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to make it again!
Techniques for Making Perfect Naan Every Time
How to knead the dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable. This helps develop the gluten and creates a smooth texture for the naan.
How to roll the dough into teardrop shapes: Take each portion of dough and roll it into a teardrop shape, about 2 to 3 inches wide and 6 to 7 inches long. This shape is traditional for naan and ensures even cooking.
How to cook the naan: Place the naan wet side down into a hot skillet, cover it with a lid, and cook for about 30 seconds until bubbles form. Then, flip the naan, brush it with butter or ghee, and cook it uncovered for another 10 seconds to achieve a golden brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
How to test the skillet's heat: Before placing the naan in the skillet, flick water on it to check if it evaporates on contact. This helps ensure that the skillet is at the right temperature for cooking the naan.
How To Make Simple Naan
Enjoy a soft and pillowy dish in this easy skillet naan recipe. Flour, yogurt, and yeast are combined for this simple and tasty Indian-style flatbread.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cuplukewarm milk
- 1½tspactive dry yeast
- 2tspsugar
- 4cupsall purpose flour,plus extra for dusting
- 2tspkosher salt
- 2tbspolive oil,or canola oil, plus extra for greasing the bowl
- ½cupplain yogurt
Instructions
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Lightly grease a large bowl with a little bit of oil. Set the bowl aside.
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In a Pyrex liquid measuring cup or a small mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. The milk should be just warm to the touch.
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In another large mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Add yogurt, oil, and milk-yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon or hands to combine the dough. The dough should be soft and sticky at this point.
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Dust countertop with flour. Transfer the dough to the counter. Knead together for about 5 minutes until a soft dough forms.
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If the dough feels dry and is too tough to knead, add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, a little bit at a time until the dough is easier to work with.
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Transfer the dough to the greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Place in a dark, warm, dry place. Let the dough rise for 3 to 4 hours or until it more than doubles in size.
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Punch the risen dough down. Knead for another minute. Return the dough to the bowl, cover it again and let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Dust countertop with flour. Turn the dough out onto the counter and knead it for 1 minute or 2 until it’s smooth. Divide the dough into 16 smaller balls of equal size, about 2 ounces each.
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Using a rolling pin, roll the balls into a teardrop shape. About 2 to 3-inches wide, 6 to 7 inches long, and about ⅛-inch thick. They don’t have to be perfectly uniform.
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If using herbs or spices, sprinkle one side of the bread with those now. Brush the other side with water. Set a medium-sized heavy pan or cast-iron skillet with a lid over medium-high heat.
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Check the heat of the pan by flicking water on it. If it evaporates on contact, it’s ready. Once the pan is hot, place the naan wet side down into the skillet.
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Cover it with a lid. Let it cook for about 30 seconds or until bubbles form. Flip the naan, brush it with butter or ghee, and cook it uncovered for another 10 seconds.
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Serve it hot. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
If milk is too hot you can kill the yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 145.89kcal
- Fat: 2.77g
- Saturated Fat: 0.73g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.47g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.34g
- Carbohydrates: 25.62g
- Fiber: 0.94g
- Sugar: 1.74g
- Protein: 4.13g
- Cholesterol: 2.52mg
- Sodium: 131.96mg
- Calcium: 31.39mg
- Potassium: 69.07mg
- Iron: 1.48mg
- Vitamin A: 9.08µg
- Vitamin C: 0.04mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving the Perfect Naan Texture
When kneading the naan dough, it's important to use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself and rotate it a quarter turn. Repeat this process until the dough is smooth and elastic. This technique helps to develop the gluten in the flour, giving your naan its characteristic chewy texture. Remember, the more you knead, the softer your naan will be.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Naan Bread
Prep ahead: Make the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This will save time on the day you plan to make the naan.
Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. This will save time and effort compared to kneading by hand.
Roll in bulk: Roll out multiple naan breads at once and stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. This will streamline the cooking process.
High heat: Preheat the skillet on high heat to quickly cook the naan, ensuring it puffs up and cooks evenly in a shorter time.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple naan breads simultaneously to expedite the cooking process and have a larger quantity ready at once.
Prep station: Set up a designated area with all the ingredients and tools needed for making the naan to work efficiently and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.
Portion control: Use a kitchen scale to divide the dough into equal-sized portions for uniform cooking and to save time on shaping.
Stack and cover: Stack the cooked naan and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable while cooking the remaining batches.
Substitute Ingredients For Simple Naan Recipe
lukewarm milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative and will provide a similar creamy texture to the naan.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used as a quicker alternative, requiring less time to rise.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a touch of sweetness and also contribute to the texture of the naan.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option and will add a nutty flavor to the naan.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness.
olive oil - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can be used to add a rich, buttery flavor to the naan.
plain yogurt - Substitute with coconut milk yogurt: Coconut milk yogurt can be used as a dairy-free alternative and will contribute to the tangy flavor and texture of the naan.
How to Beautifully Present Naan Bread
Artfully arrange the naan: Place the naan on a beautiful serving platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the naan with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve with a variety of dips: Offer a selection of yogurt-based dips such as cucumber raita, mint chutney, and spicy mango chutney to complement the naan.
Incorporate elegant serving ware: Present the naan on elegant serving plates or bread baskets to elevate the dining experience.
Add a touch of sophistication with flavored butters: Offer a selection of flavored butters such as garlic herb butter or truffle butter to accompany the naan.
Create a visually appealing display: Arrange the naan in a visually appealing manner, perhaps overlapping them slightly to create an attractive presentation.
Pair with curated accompaniments: Serve the naan alongside curated accompaniments such as marinated olives, pickled vegetables, and artisanal cheeses for a sophisticated touch.
Elevate with edible flowers: Garnish the platter with delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Offer a variety of textures: Accompany the naan with a selection of crispy, crunchy, and creamy elements to create a harmonious balance of textures.
Present with a personalized touch: Consider adding a personalized touch to the presentation, such as a hand-written menu card or a custom-made serving board to showcase the naan.
Essential Tools for Making Naan at Home
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the dough for the naan.
- Rolling pin: A rolling pin is used to flatten and shape the naan dough into the desired teardrop shape.
- Cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet is used to cook the naan over medium-high heat, giving it a delicious charred flavor.
- Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure the lukewarm milk for the dough.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is used to initially combine the dough ingredients and mix them together.
- Plastic wrap or damp towel: This is used to cover the dough while it rises, creating a warm and moist environment for the yeast to work its magic.
- Heavy pan: A heavy pan is used to cook the naan, providing even heat distribution for a perfectly cooked bread.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Naan Bread
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for simple naan:
- Let the naan cool completely before storing. Once cooled, wrap each naan tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- For short-term storage, place the wrapped naan in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To reheat refrigerated naan, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warm and soft.
- For long-term storage, place the wrapped naan in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen naan, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, wrap the naan in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until warm and pliable.
- Alternatively, you can reheat frozen naan directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the frozen naan in aluminum foil, and place it in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
- For best results, consume the reheated naan immediately. Reheating multiple times may cause the naan to become dry or tough.
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Naan
To reheat leftover naan, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the naan in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the naan is warm and soft. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the naan from drying out.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Place the naan directly on the rack and toast for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. This method is quick and easy, but be careful not to overcook the naan, as it can become too crispy.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can reheat the naan in a microwave. Place the naan on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 15-20 seconds, or until the naan is warm and soft. Be careful not to overheat the naan, as it can become rubbery.
For a crispy exterior and soft interior, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Brush the naan with a little butter or ghee and place it on the hot surface. Cook for 30-60 seconds on each side, or until the naan is crispy and heated through. This method adds a nice buttery flavor and crispy texture to the reheated naan.
If you have a pizza stone, you can use it to reheat the naan. Preheat the pizza stone in a 450°F (230°C) oven for 30 minutes. Place the naan directly on the hot stone and heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the naan is warm and crispy. This method helps to recreate the texture of freshly baked naan.
Interesting Fact About Naan Bread
Naan bread is a traditional Indian flatbread that is typically cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven. It is often served alongside various Indian dishes such as curries and kebabs.
Is Making Naan at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this naan recipe is quite favorable for a household. The main ingredients, such as flour, milk, and yogurt, are commonly found in most households, making it a budget-friendly option. The addition of olive oil and spices may slightly increase the cost, but they are versatile ingredients that can be used in various other recipes. Overall, this recipe offers a great balance of cost and flavor. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10.
Is Naan Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
The simple naan recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest choice due to its high carbohydrate content from the all-purpose flour. The recipe also includes added sugars and fats from the milk, yogurt, and olive oil. However, the yogurt does provide some beneficial probiotics and the olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or other nutrient-dense flours like chickpea or almond flour to increase fiber and protein content
- Reduce the amount of sugar used or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Opt for low-fat or non-fat yogurt to decrease the overall fat content
- Brush the naan with a smaller amount of ghee or butter to minimize added saturated fats
- Serve the naan alongside a balanced meal that includes lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats to create a well-rounded dining experience
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delightful taste and texture of homemade naan while supporting your overall health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion: Why I Love This Simple Naan Recipe
This naan recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a soft and flavorful bread. The addition of yogurt adds a pleasant tanginess, while the use of olive oil provides a subtle richness. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The final result is a beautifully textured naan that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Enhance Your Simple Naan Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Naan Bread
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Naan Perfectly
Why trust this Simple Naan Recipe:
This recipe for naan bread is a tried and tested favorite among many home cooks and food enthusiasts. The combination of yeast, flour, and yogurt ensures a soft and fluffy texture, while the addition of olive oil and milk provides richness and depth of flavor. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, making it accessible for all levels of bakers. With its authentic taste and simple preparation, this naan recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their homemade bread game.
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