Have you ever taken a bite out of a soft and puffy naan and wondered “Wow! How do they make this goodness?”. Well, you can totally achieve mastery of this amazing Indian flatbread at home. It is just a few Sanskrit spells and a magic wand away. Not really though, you just need a few simple ingredients and the right puffing technique to make your own naan bread. Follow this easy naan recipe at home to achieve the perfect airy and chewy restaurant-style naan bread.
India is famous for its flatbreads like puri, idlis, and chapatis, etc. Naan bread or naan is a soft and fluffy bread from the Indian subcontinent that makes an excellent scoop for many Indian curries. This bread is the perfect mix of airy, chewy, fluffy and soft. While its history is not properly documented, it is believed to have originated in the Middle East or Central Asia and brought to the subcontinent by the Mughals. It is traditionally cooked in a hot clay oven where it puffs up and gets dark brown roasted spots. However, you can also make it at home in a cast iron skillet or a griddle (tawa).
Ingredients For Easy Naan Recipe At Home
Flour
Flour is the main ingredient in this recipe and provides the bulk and structure to the naan. All-purpose flour, when kneaded with liquid, forms linked gluten strands, which gives the naan its chewy texture.
Yogurt
Yogurt helps to tenderize the dough and gives it a tangy flavor. It also adds moisture to the dough, making it more pliable and easier to work with.
Water
Water helps to form a smooth and elastic dough. The amount of water needed can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the kitchen.
Salt
Salt is a common seasoning which enhances the flavor and provides balance to the overall taste of the naan.
Sugar
Sugar helps feed the yeast and promotes a better rise.
Baking powder and baking soda
These leavening agents in the dough help the naan rise and become fluffy.
Oil
Oil helps coat the dough and the tava (griddle) to prevent sticking and to help creates a crispy exterior on the naan.
Sesame seeds
Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top of the naan to add a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.
Coriander leaves
Also add coriander leaves on top of the naan and add a fresh, herbal aroma to the dish.
Step by Step Instructions For Easy Naan Recipe At Home
To begin, in a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ tsp of salt, ½ tsp of sugar, ½ tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of baking soda.
Then add ½ cup of yogurt and enough water to make a smooth and elastic dough. The amount of water needed may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the kitchen.
Then, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside for an hour.
After an hour, knead the dough again for a few seconds to remove any air bubbles.
Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
Next, roll out each ball into an oval shape using a rolling pin.
Sprinkle some sesame seeds and coriander leaves on top of the naan, and slightly press them into the dough with the rolling pin.
Then, flip the naan over and apply some water on the surface.
Heat a tava (griddle) on medium-high heat. Then place the naan on the hot tava with the waterside down.
When the naan starts to puff up and small bubbles appear on the surface, invert the tawa over the flame.
Roast the other side of the naan directly on the flame until it is golden and charred in spots.
Then, brush some ghee or oil on top of the naan while it is still hot.
Now repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.
Finally, serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade naan with your favorite curry or dip.
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to serve the Easy Naan Recipe at Home. Firstly, serve the hot and fresh naan with your favorite Indian curries like keema, dal palak, or bhindi masala. Alternatively, you can use the naan to make wraps with grilled or roasted vegetables, paneer, or chicken. To balance out the spices in the main dish, serve the naan with a side of raita or yogurt-based drink like sabharam. Moreover, you can enjoy the naan as a snack with some hummus or other dips. Lastly, it is important to serve the naan warm and fresh from the tava (griddle) for the best texture and taste. With these serving suggestions, your Easy Naan Recipe at Home will be a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Storage Suggestions
If you have leftovers from the Easy Naan Recipe at Home, you can store them for later use. Firstly, allow the naan to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Then, place the naan in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. You can store the naan in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, before reheating, let it come to room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the naan. Place the naan in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat the naan, you can use a microwave, an oven, or a tava. If you are using a microwave, place the naan on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 15-20 seconds. If you are using an oven, wrap the naan in aluminum foil and heat it for 5-10 minutes at 350°F.
Easy Naan Recipe At Home
4 from 7 votes
Recipe by Ravi Kumar and Qintarah KhanCourse: FlatbreadsCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium
Servings
4
servings
Prep time
30
minutes
Cooking time
15
minutes
This recipe is for making easy homemade naan bread with all-purpose flour, yogurt, and a few basic ingredients, topped with sesame seeds and coriander leaves for added flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 cup Yogurt
Water as required
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Baking powder
1/2 tsp Baking soda
Oil as required
1 tsp Sesame seeds
1 tbsp Coriander leaves
Directions
- To begin, in a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ tsp of salt, ½ tsp of sugar, ½ tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of baking soda.
- Next, add ½ cup of yogurt and enough water to make a smooth and elastic dough. The amount of water needed may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the kitchen.
- Then, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside for an hour.
- After an hour, knead the dough again for a few seconds to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
- Next, roll out each ball into an oval shape using a rolling pin. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and coriander leaves on top of the naan, and slightly press them into the dough with the rolling pin.
- Then, flip the naan over and apply some water on the surface.
- Heat a tava (griddle) on medium-high heat. Place the naan on the hot tava with the waterside down.
- When the naan starts to puff up and small bubbles appear on the surface, invert the tawa over the flame.
- Roast the other side of the naan directly on the flame until it is golden and charred in spots.
- Then, brush some ghee or oil on top of the naan while it is still hot.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.
- Finally, serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade naan with your favorite curry or dip.
Recipe Video
FAQs
What is the ingredient in naan?
The main ingredient in naan is flour. All-purpose flour or maida, is a common ingredient in naan recipes.
Is naan made of maida or Atta?
Naan is typically consists of all-purpose flour or maida. Atta, a whole wheat flour, is a common ingredient to make roti, another type of Indian flatbread.
How do you make Nan?
You can make naan by combining flour, water, salt, yeast, and sometimes yogurt or milk to form a dough. Then roll out the dough, top it with various toppings such as sesame seeds or coriander leaves, and cook it in a tandoor oven or on a hot griddle.
What is the best substitute for naan?
If you’re looking for a substitute for naan, you can use other types of flatbread such as pita or tortilla. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture may be different.
Is naan a junk food?
Naan is a less healthy option when compared to other types of bread because it often consists of refined flour. However, when eaten in moderation, naan can bring you great joy and that is definitely worth something!
What is Pakistani naan called?
Pakistani naan is simply called ‘naan’ as well. However, there are different variations of naan that are popular in different regions of Pakistan.
Is naan Pakistani or Indian?
Naan originated in Central and South Asia, and is commonly associated with both Indian and Pakistani cuisine. However, it is a popular type of flatbread in many other countries as well.
What is roti called in English?
Roti is simply called ‘roti’ or ‘chapati’ in English.
What is a Lahori naan?
A Lahori naan is a type of naan that is popular in the city of Lahore in Pakistan. It typically consists of all-purpose flour and is often topped with sesame seeds and nigella seeds.
Hi! I’m Ravi Kumar.
I am a husband, father of 4, board certified neurosurgeon, and a lover of South Indian Food!
I created PaattisKitchen.com to memorialize the most delicious foods on earth. South Indian food is easy to make and hard to mess up. So pull up your sleeves, and come with me as we explore the vibrant spices, colors, aromas, and flavors of South Indian culinary tradition.
