Naan Bread (The Best Recipe!) - Naan - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

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Naan - easy naan bread recipe using a cast-iron skillet. Soft, puffy, with beautiful brown blisters just like Indian restaurants. This is the best recipe you'll find online!

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Table of Contents

Naan Bread

Naan is an Indian recipe; it’s a type of flat bread.

Traditionally they are baked inside a very hot clay tandoor oven, with charcoal or wood fire.

The naan bread are stuck to the inside of the oven just like the picture below.

The tandoor oven retains very high heat, up to 900°F and hence fills the inside of the flat bread with air pockets and bakes them to perfection.

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In a modern day kitchen, we do not have a tandoor oven, but you can make naan at home with a hot cast-iron skillet on the stove stop, or bake in the oven.

My naan recipe is made on a stove top, using a very hot cast-iron skillet.

The naan turn out extremely delicious, soft, puffy, airy, with the beautiful golden brown spots on the surface.

They taste just like the best Indian buffet restaurants!

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Other Recipes You Might Like

  • Cheesy Garlic Naan
  • Chapati
  • Mango Chutney

Frequently Asked Questions about Naan:

Is Naan Bread Healthy?

Yes, it is super healthy. My recipe is quick and easy, fail-proof and cooked on a skillet. You do not need a tandoor oven!

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Does It Have Eggs?

There is no eggs in the recipe. Vegan can’t eat them as this recipe calls for yogurt, which is not vegan-friendly.

The Origin of Naan

It originated from Iranian. However, different countries have its own version of the bread.

It’s a staple in Iran, many middle eastern countries, the Indian subcontinent countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc.

The Difference between Naan and Roti

They are both flat breads but different because of the ingredients used. Roti, for example, chapati is made with whole wheat flour and there is no yeast.

Naan is made with all purpose flour and you will need yeast to make the dough.

Tips on How to Make Naan

  • First, you want to make the dough by combining the yeast and flour together. Knead the dough with hand or using a stand mixer and then rest to double the dough in size.
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  • Divide the dough into 8 balls. Heat up a cast-iron skillet on high heat to make naan.
  • The high heat makes the dough rises and fills the middle part of the bread with an air pocket. It’s done when burnt brown “blisters” or spots appear, just like my pictures.
  • Brush the fresh-off-the-skillet naan with some melted salted butter and top them with cilantro leaves.

How Many Calories per Serving?

This recipe is only 295 calories per serving.

What Dishes to Serve with Naan?

They are great with Indian curries with sauce, for example: chicken tikka masala or butter chicken.

For a wholesome Indian dinner, I recommend the following recipes.

Butter Chicken

Tandoori Chicken

Chicken Tikka Masala

Tandoori Shrimp

How to Make Naan Bread?

Please refer to the recipe card below for detailed step-by-step method on how to make naan at home.

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Naan Bread (The Best Recipe)

Naan - easy naan bread recipe using a cast-iron skillet. Soft, puffy with brown blisters just like Indian restaurants. This is the best recipe online!

4.55 from 1552 votes

Print

By Bee Yinn Low

Yield 8 pieces

Prep 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Cook 10 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/4 oz. (10g) active dry yeast ((2 1/4 teaspoons) )
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • some oil (for greasing the skillet)
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add the sugar, warm water, and yeast together. Stir to combine well. The yeast should be activated when it becomes foamy, about 10 minutes. Transfer the flour to a flat surface and make a well in the middle.

  • Add the yeast mixture, yogurt, salt and oil, knead the dough until the surface becomes smooth and shiny, about 10 minutes. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place (for example: beside the stove top or warm oven). The dough should double in size, about 1 hour.

  • Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll the dough to a 8” (230g) circle using a rolling spin.

  • Heat up a skillet (cast-iron preferred) over high heat and lightly grease the surface with some oil to avoid the dough from sticking to the skillet. Place the dough on the skillet. When it puffs up and bubbles and burnt spots appear, flip it over and cook the other side. Repeat the same until all dough are done.

  • Brush the naan with the melted butter, serve warm.

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Notes

Watch the cooking video on this page for step-by-step guide.

If the dough is sticky, add extra 2 more tablespoons of flour to bind the dough.

Course: Indian Recipes

Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: from scratch, Naan, naan bread, vegetarian

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Naan Bread (The Best Recipe)

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 295Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Polyunsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 12mg4%

Sodium 46mg2%

Carbohydrates 48g16%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 8g16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

Naan Bread (The Best Recipe!) - Naan - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

FAQs

Is naan healthy or unhealthy? ›

While it may contain more carbs and sugars, it earns its reputation as a healthy alternative with its relatively generous amounts of protein and fiber. Despite its high carb content, naan can be considered a more nutrient-dense alternative to white bread and pita.

Which is the best naan bread? ›

Top 10 Naan Bread Products
  • Sharwood's. ...
  • Sharwood's. Flame-Baked Plain Naan Bread. ...
  • Sharwood's. Garlic & Coriander Naans. ...
  • Riya's. Original Recipe Garlic & Coriander Naan Bread. ...
  • M&S. 2 Large Garlic & Coriander Naans. ...
  • The Clay Oven Bakery. 2 Garlic & Coriander Naan Bread. ...
  • Sharwood's. Mini Peshwari Naans. ...
  • Sharwood's. Peshwari Naans.

What is the difference between naan and Roghni Naan? ›

Roghni Naan is softer, thicker, and richer than plain naan, has a beautiful golden shine on it, and is covered with sesame seeds which add more texture and flavor to it.

Is yeast or baking powder better for naan? ›

Naan is essentially a leavened flatbread, which means it contains some form of raising agent to provide its airy texture. Hence for this naan, the raising agent we will be using is yeast. Other variations do exist which may utilise self raising flour or baking powder/baking soda.

Does naan increase belly fat? ›

Naan bread is typically made with refined flour and may contain high amounts of fat and calories, which can contribute to belly fat if consumed in large quantities. It is important to practice moderation and balance in your diet, and to incorporate a variety of healthy foods in your meals.

What is more fattening naan or rice? ›

Boiled rice was a healthier option, containing approximately 100 calories less than pilau rice and only 2% of the adult GDA for total and saturated fat. An average portion of peshwari naan bread contained significantly more energy, total fat and saturated fat than plain naan bread.

Is it OK to eat naan everyday? ›

Despite its high calorie content, naan bread can be a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for providing energy to the body. However, it is important to consume naan bread in moderation, as excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Should you toast naan? ›

The toaster can be used to reheat your naan bread but it's not the best method to do so. The naan gets really dry and there's no way that you can add water to the naan before toasting. That said, it's really quick and a decent option when a toaster is all you have to reheat the bread.

Why is naan bread expensive? ›

Usually smaller in size. Naan on the other hand is an Indian flat bread made out of refined wheat flour (maida). Cooked in a tandoor without any oil and is smeared with butter. Naan might cost more due to the operational cost for a Tandoor.

Why is naan unhealthy? ›

Skip: Naan

And like those fluffy spuds, this soft flatbread has little nutritional value. Most naan recipes call for Greek yogurt to give it that airy texture. But that's more than offset by less healthy ingredients like white flour, sugar, and oil.

Is naan healthy or roti? ›

Roti is generally considered healthier than naan. Roti is lower in calories and contains zero saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. In contrast, naan tends to be higher in calories and may contain added fats. For a healthier choice, roti is often preferred, especially by those conscious of their dietary intake.

What is another name for naan bread? ›

Naan
Alternative namesNan, Noon, Paan, Faan
Region or stateIran, Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Caribbean
Main ingredientsFlour, yeast, salt, sugar, ghee, water
Media: Naan
1 more row

Why do you put yogurt in naan bread? ›

Salt could be optional if you are having naan with a curry. (Cause curry usually has salt and the bread might not need it). Variations like milk or yogurt is used instead of water to make dough soft and fluffy. This would change the texture and flavor of the bread.

Can I let my naan dough rise overnight? ›

Then after the dough has doubled in size, put the bowl with the dough it in the fridge overnight (I've done 24 hours). Do not punch dough down or touch it – just put it in as is. The fridge stops the dough from rising any further. Take the bowl out of the fridge at least a couple of hours before cooking.

Do Indian restaurants use yeast in naan? ›

About Naan

So most restaurants either use yeast or another leavening agent like baking powder & baking soda. If you order naan in Indian restaurants you may not find the texture & flavor to be the same in every place. Each place may have their own recipe to make these.

Which Indian bread is healthiest? ›

From health perspective, flat breads made of whole wheat flour (roti/paratha/chapati/phulka) are better than the ones made with all-purpose flour (naan & kulcha).

Is naan healthier than pizza crust? ›

Naan is lighter than a regular pizza base. So, when you load it up with delicious healthy toppings, you've got yourself an EPIC healthy weeknight dinner.

Which is healthier roti or naan? ›

Roti is generally considered healthier than naan. Roti is lower in calories and contains zero saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. In contrast, naan tends to be higher in calories and may contain added fats. For a healthier choice, roti is often preferred, especially by those conscious of their dietary intake.

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