Liputan6.com, Jakarta If you are looking for a soft, warm, and flavorful bread to enjoy with your meals, then a good naan bread recipe is just what you need. Naan bread is one of the most famous breads from South Asia and the Middle East. Naan is usually made with flour, yogurt, and yeast, giving it a rich taste and tender texture. It is often enjoyed with curries, grilled meats, and stews, but it can also be eaten on its own.
Traditionally, a naan bread recipe is made using a tandoor oven, which is a special clay oven that gives the bread a unique smoky flavor and slightly charred edges. But don't worry if you don't have a tandoor at home. You can still make soft and tasty naan bread using a regular pan or oven.
In this article, we will share two naan bread recipe ideas to help you make it at home, even if you don't have a tandoor. We will also share some tasty foods to serve with your naan bread. We gathered these recipes from various sources, Friday (8/8/2025).
Pan Naan Bread Recipe
Out of many ways to make naan bread, the pan method is the easiest one out there. Here's how to make naan bread on the pan.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Butter or ghee for brushing
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, showing the yeast is active.
2. Add flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Stir everything together until it forms a rough dough.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Gently punch down the dough to release air, then divide it into 6 equal balls.
6. Roll each ball into an oval or round shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place one rolled dough on the pan and let it cook without moving it for 1-2 minutes until bubbles appear.
8. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots form. Adjust heat if needed to avoid burning.
9. Brush with butter or ghee while still warm and serve immediately.
Oven-Baked Naan Bread Recipe
Another way to make naan bread at home without a tandoor is to use the oven. Follow this easy naan bread recipe to make this tasty flat bread with your oven:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Butter or ghee for brushing
Instructions:
1. Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a medium bowl. Stir well and let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, yogurt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until everything is combined and a dough starts to form.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and soft.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F) with a baking sheet inside so it gets very hot.
6. Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll each one into an oval or round shape.
7. Carefully place the rolled dough onto the hot baking sheet using tongs, closing the oven door quickly to keep the heat in.
8. Bake for 3-4 minutes until the bread puffs up and has light golden spots.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately brush with butter or ghee before serving.
Tips to Make Homemade Naan Bread
Making naan bread at home is easy, but these tips can help you get the best results.
1. Use warm liquid – Warm water or milk helps activate the yeast quickly, ensuring the dough rises well and becomes soft. Cold liquid can slow yeast growth and affect the bread's texture.
2. Don't skip the yogurt – Yogurt is key for giving naan its soft texture and subtle tang. It also helps keep the bread moist, preventing it from becoming dry after cooking.
3. Let the dough rise properly – Allowing the dough to double in size makes the bread light and airy. Rushing this step may result in dense and heavy naan bread.
4. Cook on high heat – High heat makes the bread puff up fast and creates those nice golden brown spots. Cooking too slowly can make the naan tough and chewy.
5. Brush with butter or ghee – This step adds a rich flavor and keeps the surface soft. The fat also helps the naan stay fresh for longer after cooking.
Tasty Foods to Eat With Naan Bread
Naan bread can be enjoyed with many delicious dishes. Here are some great ideas.
1. Chicken curry – A rich, spiced sauce that soaks into the naan, creating a warm, flavorful bite. The tender chicken pieces make it a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. Lentil dal – A creamy, mildly spiced lentil dish that pairs perfectly with naan. The bread helps scoop up the thick, comforting mixture with ease.
3. Grilled kebabs – Juicy, smoky pieces of meat or vegetables taste amazing wrapped in warm naan. The bread softens the bold, charred flavors.
4. Hummus – Smooth, nutty chickpea dip with garlic and lemon is great with naan. The fluffy bread makes a perfect scoop for every bite.
5. Paneer butter masala – Creamy tomato-based curry with soft paneer cubes is rich and flavorful. Naan soaks up the thick sauce beautifully.
6. Shakshuka – Poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce work wonderfully with naan. The bread can be used to mop up every bit of sauce.
7. Tandoori chicken – Smoky, spiced chicken fresh from the grill pairs perfectly with naan. The flavors balance the bread's softness.
8. Baba ganoush – A smoky, roasted eggplant dip that is creamy and light. Naan bread adds a soft texture to each bite.
9. Beef stew – Tender beef and vegetables in a savory broth are great with naan. The bread can replace a spoon for dipping.
10. Falafel – Crispy chickpea balls with herbs and spices taste great wrapped in naan. Add some fresh salad and sauce for a full meal.
11. Butter chicken – Rich, creamy, and mildly spiced chicken curry is perfect for naan. The sauce coats the bread beautifully.
12. Greek tzatziki – Cool yogurt and cucumber dip brings freshness to naan. It's perfect for a light snack.
13. Lamb curry – Bold, spiced lamb dishes pair wonderfully with naan's mild flavor. The bread helps soften the strong taste.
14. Mango chutney – Sweet and tangy chutney adds a burst of flavor to naan. It's great as a side for spicy curries.
15. Vegetable korma – A mild, creamy curry full of mixed vegetables. Naan helps scoop up the thick, flavorful sauce.