About the Dish – Naan
One of the most popular Indian flatbreads is naan (naan Recipe). People enjoy its soft texture, burnt areas, and chewy bite. Naan is traditionally baked in a hot tandoor (clay oven), and it goes great with rich Indian gravies like Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, and others. But what if you don’t have a tandoor at home?
This naan recipe tells you exactly how to make naan at home without a tandoor. All you need is a simple tawa or skillet and some basic pantry items. It’s light and fluffy, and it tastes just as good as the one from the restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Naan Recipe
- No yeast needed – simple ingredients
- No tandoor required – make it on a regular tawa
- Comes out soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden
- Can be made plain, buttered, or garlic-flavored
- Tastes amazing with any curry, dal, or even on its own!
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (मैदा) | 2 cups | You can use half whole wheat flour for a healthier version |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Helps in leavening |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Works with curd to puff up the naan |
| Salt | ¾ tsp | For taste |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | Helps browning and adds softness |
| Yogurt (दही) | ½ cup | Use thick curd for best results |
| Oil or ghee | 2 tbsp | Adds softness |
| Water or milk (पानी/दूध) | As needed to knead | Use warm water or milk |
| Butter (for brushing) | As required | Optional but highly recommended |
| Garlic (optional) | 1 tbsp finely chopped | For garlic naan |
| Coriander leaves (optional) | 1 tbsp finely chopped | For garnish |
How to Make Naan on Tawa – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Take a large mixing bowl and pour in two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of sugar.
- Mix well and add two tablespoons of oil or ghee and half a cup of thick curd..
- Begin mixing and add warm water or milk little by little to make a soft and flexible dough.
- Knead until smooth which will take a minimum of 6 to 8 minutes.
- Rest the covered dough for one and a half to two hours
Step 2: Divide and Shape
- Once it has rested, portion the dough into 6 to 8 equal balls.
- Each ball should be shaped into oval or teardrop forms akin to traditional naan.
- To make sure the minced garlic and coriander stick, gently press them onto one surface of the naan before the rolling step.
Step 3: Cook on Tawa
- Place a heavy tawa or cast iron over a medium-high heat
- Using a brush or your fingers, lightly moisten one side of the naan with water.
- To assist the naan stick, place the wet side down on the heated tawa.
- Cook for one to two minutes, or until bubbles form.
- To cook the top side until brown spots form, flip the tawa (not the naan) directly over the heat, following the tandoori method.
“Tip: Use tongs to flip the naan and cook on the other side directly on the flame if you are uncomfortable flipping the tawa.”
Step 4: Butter & Serve Soft & Fluppy Naan
- Once done, spread ghee or butter over the hot naan.
- Serve right away with your preferred dal or curry!
Serving Suggestions
Naan pairs wonderfully with:
- Dal Makhani
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Kadai Paneer
- Chole Masala
- Butter Chicken
- Or even a side of mint chutney & pickle!
Tips for Soft & Fluffy Naan
- Ensure you allow the dough sufficient time to rise during the resting period as this will make the dough airy.
- Unlike chapati, naan bread should be rolled to a thicker, uniform disc shape, not overly thin.
- Using a heavy base pan or a cast-iron tawa will give you the best results.
- Always cook the naan over high heat to avoid burned areas.
- For the garlic naan, incorporate the minced garlic and coriander prior to rolling the naan.
Variations
- Garlic Naan: Add finely minced garlic and coriander before cooking for a flavor boost.
- Cheese Naan: Incorporate cheese by grating it and placing it within the dough prior to folding and rolling it.
- Whole Wheat Naan: Substitute one half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour ata.
- Stuffed Naan: Stuff naan with one or more of the following: mashed potatoes, paneer, or spicy sautéed onions.
Naan Recipe in Hindi (नान बनाने की विधि हिंदी में)
मैदा, बेकिंग पाउडर, बेकिंग सोडा, नमक, चीनी और दही मिलाकर नरम आटा गूंध लें। इसे ढककर 2 घंटे के लिए रख दें। फिर आटे की लोइयां बनाकर बेलें और तवे पर पानी की साइड नीचे रखकर सेकें। ऊपर से तवा पलटकर सीधा आंच पर पकाएं। मक्खन लगाकर तुरंत परोसें।
FAQs
Q: Can I use yeast instead of baking soda/powder?
Yes! Add 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast to warm water and sugar to get it going. Give it 1 to 2 hours to rise.
Q: Can I make naan without curd?
Yes, but the curd makes it soft. You can use buttermilk or vegan yogurt instead.
Q: Can I freeze naan?
Yes! Make the naan, let it cool, and then put it in zip-lock bags in the freezer. You may reheat it on a tawa or in the microwave.
Final Words
You will never wish to purchase naan from the store after trying this homemade naan recipe. With its simplicity and untold softness, every Indian dish transforms into a lavish restaurant-style meal. Whether you are entertaining guests or enjoying a sumptuous lunch, Zaikawale’s naan recipe brings the titillating tandoori experience straight to your home.
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