Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread: Quick & Easy Recipe

Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with this Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe! If you’ve been craving that chewy, flavorful naan bread from your favorite restaurant, look no further. This recipe will guide you through creating your own aromatic and delicious naan bread in the comfort of your kitchen.

I stumbled upon this Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe last year and it has since become a staple in my household. The blend of warm milk, yogurt, and a touch of olive oil creates the perfect texture, while the optional garlic, cilantro, or sesame seeds add a flavorful twist. Whether paired with a steaming bowl of curry, used as a pizza base, or enjoyed with hummus, this naan bread is versatile and sure to please your taste buds.

Don’t be discouraged by any past failed attempts – with a few tips and tricks, you’ll soon be savoring that coveted charred exterior and soft, pillowy interior. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure that will have your friends and family asking for more of “dad’s bread” on every curry night. Let’s get baking!

Quick Benefits

• Authentic Taste: Recreate restaurant-quality naan bread at home, with chewy texture, charred exterior, and perfect air bubbles.
• Versatile: Use naan bread for scooping curry, as pizza bases, wraps with eggs, or add sweet or savory fillings for a variety of dishes.
• Customizable: Experiment with additional flavors like garlic, cilantro, nigella seeds, cheese, raisins, cardamom, or jalapeños to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-ahead: Store naan in an airtight container for up to two days or freeze for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread: Quick & Easy Recipe Recipe

• You will love this recipe because it provides a simple and easy way to make delicious homemade naan bread that rivals restaurant quality.
• The recipe has been refined through multiple attempts to ensure the naan turns out perfectly chewy, charred, and with just the right amount of air bubbles, creating an amazing aroma in your kitchen.
• The naan has received praise from friends and family, with kids even requesting “dad’s bread” for curry nights, showcasing its popularity and deliciousness.
• The tips and tricks provided, such as warming all ingredients and achieving the ideal quarter-inch thickness for the naan, ensure a successful outcome and prevent common pitfalls like ending up with crackers or doughy naan.
• The versatility of this naan bread recipe allows you to use it not only for scooping curry but also as pizza bases, wraps, or even a sweet dessert when brushed with cinnamon sugar.
• The optional additions like garlic, cilantro, nigella seeds, cheese, raisins, cardamom, or jalapeños provide endless customization options to suit different tastes and occasions.
• The convenience of being able to store the naan for up to two days in an airtight container or freeze it for up to three months makes it a practical and convenient choice for meal prepping or quick snacks.
• Making this naan bread will bring joy and satisfaction, as the charred exterior and soft interior create a delightful eating experience that complements various dishes and adds a special touch to your meals.

Ingredients for Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread: Quick & Easy Recipe

Dough

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for greasing
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup warm milk

Toppings (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons butter or ghee, melted, for brushing

How to Make Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread: Quick & Easy Recipe

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients

Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well mixed.

Step 2: Add wet ingredients

Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the plain yogurt, warm milk, and olive oil. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add additional flour gradually if the dough is sticky.

Step 4: First rise

Oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Divide and shape

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and shape each into a ball.

Step 6: Roll out the naan

Roll each ball of dough with a rolling pin to create oval or round shapes about 1/4 inch thick. Embrace imperfections for a rustic look.

Step 7: Cook the naan

Preheat a large cast iron skillet, griddle, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place one rolled naan on the hot surface and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom turns golden-brown. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8: Add toppings and serve

Brush each cooked naan with melted butter or ghee and sprinkle with minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or sesame seeds. Stack on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while cooking the rest.

Storage Tips

Once you have made your delicious homemade naan bread, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and texture. Allow the naan to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy and keep it fresh for up to two days at room temperature. If you want to store the naan for a longer period, you can freeze it by placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen naan can be stored for up to three months.

To reheat the naan, you can wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in the oven for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on a skillet over medium heat for a crispy exterior. Enjoy your naan bread with your favorite curry, use it as a pizza base, or get creative by adding different flavors like garlic, cilantro, or cheese. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy your homemade naan bread anytime you crave a taste of Indian cuisine.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make this naan bread recipe with some ingredient substitutions, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier or gluten-free option. You can also substitute the plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and added protein. Additionally, coconut oil or ghee can be used instead of olive oil for a different flavor profile.

For added flavor variations, you can mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill instead of cilantro, or use different seeds such as cumin seeds or poppy seeds instead of sesame seeds. If you prefer a sweeter naan, consider adding honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, and experiment with adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Feel free to customize the naan with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try making naan bread “nachos”! Cut the naan into triangles, bake until crispy, and then load them up with your favorite nacho toppings like melted cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. It’s a fun and delicious twist on traditional nachos.

Another serving idea is to use the naan as a base for a unique flatbread pizza. Top the naan with your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings like pepperoni, veggies, or even pineapple for a sweet and savory combination. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a quick and tasty meal that the whole family will love.

FAQs for Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread: Quick & Easy Recipe

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture and flavor of the naan may differ slightly from the original recipe. Whole wheat flour tends to make the naan denser and chewier.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it before cooking?

Yes, you can make the naan dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. Simply cover the dough with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cooking the naan.

Is it necessary to use ghee for brushing the naan, or can I just use butter?

You can use either melted ghee or butter for brushing the naan before serving. Ghee will impart a richer, nuttier flavor to the naan, while butter will add a classic buttery taste. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Can I skip the optional ingredients like garlic, cilantro, and sesame seeds?

Yes, you can skip the optional ingredients like garlic, cilantro, and sesame seeds if you prefer a simpler version of naan. The basic naan recipe without these additions will still be delicious and perfect for serving with your favorite curries or dips.

Conclusion

I hope this Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. The versatility of this naan bread allows for endless creativity in the kitchen, from savory to sweet variations. Experiment with different toppings and fillings to make it your own!

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. With a bit of patience and love, you’ll soon be making restaurant-quality naan bread that will have your loved ones asking for more. So, roll up your sleeves, get your ingredients ready, and dive into the wonderful world of homemade naan bread. Share your creations with me and let’s continue to spread the love for this Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe together!

Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread: Quick & Easy Recipe

“Chewy and charred homemade naan bread with perfect air bubbles, filling your home with an amazing aroma – a versatile recipe for curry nights and beyond!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time70 Minutes

Total Time90 Minutes

CuisineIndian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (8 naan breads)

Ingredients

Dough

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for greasing
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup warm milk

Toppings (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons butter or ghee, melted, for brushing

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well mixed.
2. Add wet ingredients: Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the plain yogurt, warm milk, and olive oil. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add additional flour gradually if the dough is sticky.
4. First rise: Oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Divide and shape: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and shape each into a ball.
6. Roll out the naan: Roll each ball of dough with a rolling pin to create oval or round shapes about 1/4 inch thick. Embrace imperfections for a rustic look.
7. Cook the naan: Preheat a large cast iron skillet, griddle, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place one rolled naan on the hot surface and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom turns golden-brown. Flip and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
8. Add toppings and serve: Brush each cooked naan with melted butter or ghee and sprinkle with minced garlic, chopped cilantro, or sesame seeds. Stack on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while cooking the rest.