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naan served

Naan Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 7 Servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups  all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon  salt
  • 2 teaspoons  sugar
  • 1 packet  (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup  warm water
  • ¼ cup  plain yogurt (whole milk works best)
  • 2 tablespoons  olive oil (plus more for cooking)
  • 2 tablespoons  melted butter 

Method
 

  1. Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it turns foamy
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir in the activated yeast mixture, yogurt, and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together, then transfer it to a floured surface.
  3. Knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky—if needed, add a touch more flour as you knead.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1 ½ hours. By the end of this rest, the dough should double in size. 
  5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape about ¼ inch thick.
  6. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Brush one side of the rolled dough lightly with water and place it wet-side down in the skillet.
  7. Cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom develops golden brown spots. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Notes

  • Use a hot pan. A properly heated skillet is key to those charred bubbles.
  • Keep the dough soft. Don’t add too much flour or the naan will be tough.
  • Brush with butter. A quick brush after cooking adds flavor and keeps the bread soft.
  • Cover after cooking. Stack the naan in a towel to trap steam and prevent drying out.
  • Make ahead. Naan freezes beautifully—just reheat in a skillet or toaster.