Naan Bread

Soft, chewy naan bread made at home with simple ingredients. This easy recipe delivers fluffy flatbreads perfect with curries, dips, and grilled dishes.

This homemade naan bread is soft, pillowy, and lightly charred with a tender chew that pairs beautifully with curries, sauces, and grilled meals. Made with pantry staples, this easy recipe uses a simple dough that can be cooked in a hot skillet for classic naan texture without a tandoor. Brush with butter or garlic butter for extra flavor and serve warm.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced, optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the yogurt, warm water, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if needed, but keep the dough soft.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
8. Cook one naan at a time for 1 to 2 minutes on the first side, until bubbles form and the bottom is lightly browned. Flip and cook the second side for 30 to 60 seconds, until spotted and cooked through.
9. Brush the warm naan with melted butter. If desired, stir the garlic into the butter and sprinkle with cilantro.
10. Serve warm immediately, or keep covered in a clean kitchen towel to stay soft.