Naan Recipe
Soft, elastic naan with browned spots, made from a lightly sticky yogurt and yeast dough.
Keep the Dough Soft
Avoid adding too much flour, which can make the dough tough. Knead the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, yogurt, water, and oil for 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly sticky. Because yogurt thickness varies, add the water gradually. Let the covered dough rise for about 60 minutes, then heat the dry skillet thoroughly before cooking.
- Yield
- 8 naan
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Total time
- 40 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Prep time
- 25 min
- Cook time
- 15 minFirst rise: At least 1 hr, ideally 1 hr 15 min
Ingredients for Naan
Ingredients
How to Make Naan
Enlarges the steps and, on supported browsers, helps keep your screen awake.
-
01
Make the dough
Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, yogurt, water, and oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
-
02
Let the dough rise
Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 60 minutes, until it has visibly increased in volume.
-
03
Roll Out the Dough Balls
Divide the dough into 8 balls, then roll each one into an oval 3–4 mm thick.
-
04
Cook in the Skillet
Heat a dry, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the naans for 1.5–2 minutes on each side, until large bubbles form and browned spots appear.
-
05
Brush with Butter and Serve
Lightly brush the hot naans with butter, then stack and cover them to keep them soft.
Mastery Guide
Review the technical details, common mistakes and correct practices that determine the recipe result.
Critical Tips
Control the Dough
This is the main factor that determines the result.
Best practice: Do not add too much flour and toughen the dough.
Keep the Balance
When making naan, the measurements and steps should work together toward the same result.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the Result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and texture specified in the recipe.
Common Mistakes
Starting with a Cold Skillet
This mistake ruins the texture and flavor.
Best practice: Starting in a cold skillet dries out the bread and makes it puff more slowly.
Keep the balance
When making naan, keep the measurements and steps aligned.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the steps in order.
Check the result
Timing may vary slightly depending on the equipment and ingredient temperature.
Best practice: Along with the timing, check the appearance and consistency described in the recipe.
Why Does This Happen?
The role of yogurt
The ingredients' physical and chemical behavior affects the result.
Best practice: The acid and water in the yogurt help keep the dough soft and pliable.
Keep the balance
When making naan, keep the measurements and steps aligned.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the steps in order.
Check the result
Timing may vary slightly depending on the equipment and ingredient temperature.
Best practice: Along with the timing, check the appearance and consistency described in the recipe.
Mayana Tips
Check the cooked naan
This improves the serving and preparation process.
Best practice: Keep the cooked naan under a clean cloth.
Keep the balance
When making naan, keep the measurements and steps aligned.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the steps in order.
Check the result
Timing may vary slightly depending on the equipment and ingredient temperature.
Best practice: Along with the timing, check the appearance and consistency described in the recipe.
Ingredients & Measurements
Check the yogurt
The ingredient's consistency determines the recipe's balance.
Best practice: Adjust the water gradually according to the yogurt's thickness.
Maintain the balance
When making naan, keep the measurements and steps aligned.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and ingredient temperature.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Cooking Techniques
Check the pan
Controlling the heat and cooking process determines the final consistency.
Best practice: Heat the pan thoroughly before cooking the first naan.
Maintain the balance
When making naan, keep the measurements and steps aligned.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and ingredient temperature.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
How to Store and Make Naan Ahead
- Serving temperature
Serve at a suitable temperature after cooking.
- Best resting time
If the recipe requires resting, follow the stated time.
- Refrigerator storage
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
- Room-temperature limit
Cool the cooked naan completely, then keep it in an airtight container for no more than 1 day.
- Make-ahead steps
Measure and prepare the ingredients ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
- Serving suggestion
Serve at the appropriate temperature for the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naan
Why doesn't naan reach the desired consistency?
A cold pan dries the bread and slows its rise. To prevent this, check the ingredient ratios and heat.
What's the most important tip when making naan?
Do not add too much flour to the dough or make it tough.
Can naan be prepared a day in advance?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance; store the cooked naan according to the recipe's storage instructions.
How should naan be served?
Keep the cooked naans under a clean cloth.
What should you look for when choosing ingredients for naan?
Adjust the water gradually, depending on how thick the yogurt is.
You may also like
