Soft, bubbly Indian flatbread
Naan from Scratch
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
1 hr 35 min
Servings
8
8 pieces
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Naan from Scratch
Soft, bubbly Indian flatbread
★4.8(16)
Soft, pillowy naan with charred bubbles and a buttery garlic finish. This yogurt-enriched dough produces tender flatbreads that rival your favorite Indian restaurant.
20m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
95m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Homemade naan is surprisingly easy and far superior to store-bought. Yogurt in the dough creates tender, slightly tangy bread that puffs beautifully in a screaming-hot skillet.
Indian cuisine is a masterclass in building complex flavor through layered spices. This recipe distills that wisdom into a straightforward method with spectacular results.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Mix flour, yeast, and salt. Add yogurt, warm water, and melted butter. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
- 2
Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- 3
Divide into 8 balls. Roll each into an oval about 1/4 inch thick.
- 4
Cook in a dry, screaming-hot cast-iron skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until bubbled and charred in spots.
- 5
Brush immediately with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side
Substitutions
YogurtSour cream or buttermilk
Both provide the same tang and tenderness
All-purpose flourWhole wheat flour (half)
Slightly denser but more nutritious
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Get the skillet as hot as possible before cooking—the high heat creates the best bubbles.
Keep cooked naan wrapped in a towel to stay warm and soft while you cook the rest.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store in a sealed bag at room temperature for 2 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm directly over a gas flame or in a hot skillet for 30 seconds per side.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (8mg) · 8 servings
Calories220
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein6g
Carbohydrates5g
Fat38g
Fiber310mg
Sugar1g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make naan without yeast?
- Yes—use 1 tsp baking powder instead. Skip the rising time and roll out immediately.
- Can I use a regular pan?
- A cast-iron skillet gets hottest, but any heavy pan will work.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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