Homemade naan is easier to make than you think. This warm, buttery garlic naan is perfect with comforting curries, or even enjoyed on its own as a snack! You can also change up this naan bread recipe to incorporate any of your favorite flavors.
I made this homemade naan recipe early in my blogging days, but it desperately needed an update. I've completely changed how I make this recipe to make it even softer and more pillowy. It is similar to my pita, but with that distinct naan bread flavor. Here, I kept the garlic flavor because it's my favorite, but you can omit it altogether, or spread any of your favorite flavors onto the homemade naan.
My love for all Indian food started when I was living in London. In case you didn't know, Indian food is basically the true British national cuisine. It didn't help that for three years I lived right next to a really nice Indian restaurant. Every evening when I came home from class I could smell the intoxicating aromas of different curries being made as the prepped for dinner.
Needless to say, we became best friends. We were on a first name basis and even though they don't have a delivery service, they would often take the 10 foot trip to our flat to deliver our food. We'd get free papadums and chutneys, and if we were short on cash, they had no issues letting us pay later. If I could give only one piece of advice to any college student, it is to become close with the owners of your favorite restaurant. One thing I had to get with every order no matter what I was eating was their garlic naan. I am drooling now just thinking about it. It was the best naan I've ever tasted.
Warm, buttery, garlic naan. Mmmmm....
It got to the point where I had to have that naan bread all the time. That soft, savory, hot bread became all I could think about.
I had to make it.
I've updated the homemade naan recipe over the years to make the dough easier to manage and more consistent, but the final product softer and pillowy. One thing that didn't change is how I bake - or cook - the homemade naan. I use a cast iron skillet because it is faster and easier and you can ensure you get a nice level of brown. It is important to use a timer when cooking the bread because you are cooking it on your stove. If you have a timer on your oven or one on your phone, I recommend using it. You want to be sure the bread is thoroughly cooked, but not completely blackened. Some black spots are expected - and a good thing. You just don't want your bread to be one big black spot!
The end result is absolutely delicious though! I eat my homemade naan with everything. Whenever I have a hankering, I just pop one of these bad boys in the microwave for about 20 seconds (because they are best when they are hot!) and munch away while reminiscing about my old flat in Chiswick.
Nervous about baking with yeast? Read my beginner's guide on yeast!
Recipe Card
Homemade Naan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water
- 620 grams scant 5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves finely grated garlic
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
- coarse salt
Instructions
- Mix together the yeast and the water together for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Add in the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, and yogurt. Mix until it comes together and then knead until smooth and still tacky - about 10 minutes.
- Roll into a ball shape and place in a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 2 hours.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 11 - 12 equal pieces. Cover and allow the pieces to rise for an hour.
- Roll out each piece into an oblong shape (a rough teardrop shape is preferable). Heat a cast iron skillet on medium
- Place one shaped naan on the skillet and cook for 1 - 2 minutes, flip and cook for an addition 1 - 2 minutes. Allow to cool on a clean white cloth.
- Add the butter to the skillet while it is still hot from making the naan and melt. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent. Remove from heat. Toss in the parsley and brush the naan liberally with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with salt and serve warm
Nutrition
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Food has so much connection with memories, doesn't it? I love it when it brings back, especially good ones too. Your Naan looks so fabulous. Like you said, pillow soft. I can just imagine the freshness of these and I know they taste divine, especially with a big bowl of curry. Thank you for your inspiration! I need to give these a go!
Amanda says
That strong connection is what I love the most about food. How the smell and taste can take you right back to a certain moment in time is simply amazing. I hope you do get a chance to make naan. I promise you will not be able to put them down!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
YUM!!!! Naan is the BEST! I literally just had some last night haha. I've never tried making my own though! Pinning for later!
Navratri 2014 says
Here in India, the naan is very popular. Try Paneer Tikka, and Kadhi(or Curry) more popular Indian foods. Loved your blog and will definitely visit again. Thanks. #SITSBlogging. I have a blog on Navratri festival of Indians(Hindus) and Goddess Durga. Check out the Navratri Colours
Amanda says
I love Paneer Tikka! I think Indian food is one of my favorite foods to try. I miss having a lot of Indian food around me all the time!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
I am definitely going to try this recipe. I love naan and you make it look so easy. Thank you for sharing.
Adelina Priddis says
Oh those look really comforting, For sure going to try them, and they sound pretty easy, minus the sticky dough. Stopping by from #SITS
Amanda says
Once you try it, I promise you won't go back! And the sticky dough isn't that bad when you are prepared for it. The first time I made it, I just dug my hands right in and my hands looked like the Pilsbury dough boy's! I ended up having to just wash my hand and wasted about a good 1/3 of the dough. So... as long as you don't shove your hands in the dough, you'll be fine!
Alex says
I am literally crazy about naan, I will try this this weekend! #SITSBlogging
Lisa@ Cooking with Curls says
Oh wow that looks delicious!!
Amanda says
Thank you! I make this bread almost every weekend. So. Addictive!