For a basic description of what naan bread is, it’s a soft, leavened flatbread that hails from South Asia, and is associated with Indian cuisine. Made from a mixture of flour, yeast, yogurt, and oil, it has a pillowy texture that’s chewy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
To make the perfect naan, check that your yeast mixture is foaming and bubbling before using in the dough, to ensure your naan reaches the right texture. Allowing the dough to rest and double in size also helps to guarantee a fluffy mouthfeel for the naan.
Cooking Naan at Home
Cooking naan can feel intimidating, but in this recipe for naan bread we’ve shared a simple method to guarantee perfect results every time. When making homemade naan a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan works best. Cooking quickly over medium heat creates the signature bubbles and char spots naan is known for and as soon as you spot bubbles forming, flip to cook the other side.
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, try making a variety of different breads at home using similar principles, from classic white bread to ciabatta. Or try an alternative to naan bread, by making an Indian roti, without using yeast.
Variations and Flavorings
There are lots of twists you can add to a naan recipe to introduce complexity and depth of flavor. A garlic naan is a classic combination, and you can either add minced garlic to the dough or to the butter for brushing onto the naan after cooking.
Cheesy naan is an indulgent comfort food, and can be easily made by stuffing the naan with grated mozzarella cheese and letting it melt. Or finish your bread with a sprinkling of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
What to Serve With Naan Bread
If you’re wondering what is eaten with naan bread, traditionally it’s served as a side dish with a number of Indian recipes. Creamy curries, such as butter chicken or tikka masala, make the perfect warming dip to enjoy with your homemade naan. Or you could serve the bread as an appetizer with dips such as hummus, or yogurt-based sauces.
Naan bread is even delicious as a wrap for kebabs or grilled vegetables, for an elevated midweek lunch idea.
