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Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread

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This soft and fluffy homemade naan bread recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and cooked on a skillet, it yields pillowy, buttery naan with a slight char and irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • ⅓ cup (80g) plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Unsalted butter (for brushing)
  • Optional: minced fresh garlic (for garlic naan)
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yogurt and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture, then pour into the flour. Stir until dough starts to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dough should be slightly sticky; add flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in lightly oiled bowl, cover with kitchen towel, and let rise in warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Divide and shape: Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and rest for 10 minutes under a towel.
  6. Roll out the naan: On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a teardrop or oval shape about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.
  7. Cook the naan: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (3-4 minutes). Place one rolled dough piece on skillet and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and bottom is golden brown.
  8. Flip and cook other side: Flip naan and cook another 1-2 minutes, pressing gently to encourage puffing and light char marks.
  9. Brush with butter: Remove naan from skillet and immediately brush with melted butter. For garlic naan, mix minced garlic into butter before brushing.
  10. Repeat: Cook remaining dough balls, keeping finished naan covered with towel to stay warm and soft.

Notes

Use medium-high heat for cooking to get signature charred spots and bubbles. Do not roll dough too thin; about ¼ inch thickness is ideal. Keep cooked naan covered with a towel to retain softness. Yogurt is key for tenderness; sour cream can substitute if needed. For gluten-free, use almond and tapioca flour blend. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt and vegan butter or oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: naan bread, homemade naan, soft naan, fluffy naan, Indian bread, skillet naan, easy naan recipe, garlic naan, bread recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/soft-and-fluffy-homemade-naan-bread-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/