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Ultimate Soft & Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread (Easy Skillet Method)

A stack of freshly cooked, soft naan bread topped with melted butter and chopped parsley.
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Make restaurant-style naan bread at home using a simple skillet method. This recipe yields soft, chewy flatbread perfect for curries or dips, with an optional step for buttery garlic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
  • For Garlic Butter Topping (Optional): 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Add the foamy yeast mixture, yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Cover the dough balls and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  7. While the dough rests, prepare the garlic butter if using: melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and cilantro. Set aside.
  8. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until very hot. Do not add oil to the skillet.
  9. Working with one ball at a time, roll the dough into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
  10. Carefully place one piece of rolled dough onto the hot, dry skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the underside has brown spots.
  11. Flip the naan and cook the second side for about 1 minute until lightly browned and puffed.
  12. Remove the cooked naan from the skillet. Immediately brush the top generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture, if using.
  13. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces, stacking the cooked naan and keeping them warm under a clean towel. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a softer texture, use whole milk yogurt. For a quick flatbread option that skips yeast, you can use baking powder instead, but the rise time will be eliminated.
  • If you do not have a skillet, you can cook these under a broiler after heating the baking sheet until very hot.
  • This naan is excellent for scooping up curries or as a base for quick naan pizza.
  • If you are interested in structured eating plans, look into meal planning services.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/homemade-naan-bread-recipe-soft-fluffy/