Make soft, fluffy naan bread at home using a skillet. This recipe uses simple ingredients and yogurt for a chewy texture without needing a tandoor oven.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:1 hour 45 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Stovetop (Skillet)
Cuisine:Indian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
Melted butter, for brushing (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Combine wet and dry: Add the foamy yeast mixture, Greek yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Divide and rest: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and let them rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
Roll out the naan: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
Cook the naan: Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Do not add oil to the pan.
Cook one side: Place one rolled naan into the hot skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until large bubbles form on the surface and the underside has brown spots.
Flip and finish: Flip the naan and cook the second side for about 1 minute until cooked through and spotted with brown.
Brush and serve: Remove the naan from the skillet. Immediately brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if using. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces. Serve warm.
Notes
For Garlic Naan, mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 minced clove of garlic and brush this mixture onto the cooked naan instead of plain butter.
If you are planning your week, consider this recipe alongside your weekly meal planning for easy side dishes.
If you skip the yeast, you can make a quick, yeast-free version, though the texture will be less fluffy.
This bread pairs well with curries, making it a great addition to your dinner bread recipes.