Easy Naan Bread

Here’s a  easy naan bread recipe you can make at home using simple ingredients. This version is soft, chewy, and perfect for serving with curries, grilled meats, or just slathered with butter or garlic.

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Easy Naan Bread Recipe (with or without yeast)

🔹 Servings: 8 naans

🔹 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🔹 Resting Time (with yeast): 1 hour (skip if yeast-free)

🔹 Cook Time: 15 minutes

🔹 Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (with yeast)

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Ingredients

With Yeast:

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ cup warm water (about 100–110°F or 38–43°C)

• 2 ½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup plain yogurt (preferably full-fat)

• ¼ cup whole milk (or water)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

• 1 tsp salt

• Optional: 2–3 tbsp melted butter or ghee + minced garlic or cilantro for topping

Yeast-Free Option:

• Skip the yeast, warm water, and sugar.

• Increase yogurt to ¾ cup and add ¼ tsp baking soda + 1 ½ tsp baking powder instead.

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Instructions

🔸 Step 1: Activate the Yeast (skip if yeast-free)

1. In a small bowl, combine:

   • ½ cup warm water

   • 1 tsp sugar

   • 2 ¼ tsp yeast

2. Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. (If it doesn’t foam, the yeast is likely inactive.)

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🔸 Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine:

   • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

   • 1 tsp salt

2. Add:

   • Activated yeast mixture

   • ½ cup yogurt

   • ¼ cup milk

   • 2 tbsp oil or melted butter

3. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Add extra flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if too sticky.

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🔸 Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. On a floured surface, knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

3. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. (For yeast-free, rest just 30 mins.)

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🔸 Step 4: Shape the Naan

1. Punch down the dough.

2. Divide into 8 equal balls.

3. Roll each ball into a teardrop or oval shape (about ¼ inch thick).

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🔸 Step 5: Cook the Naan

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat until very hot.

2. Place one rolled-out naan on the skillet.

3. Cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.

   • You should see dark, charred spots — that’s perfect!

4. Optional: Brush with melted butter or garlic butter right after cooking.

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🔸 Optional Garlic Butter Topping

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp melted butter or ghee

• 1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• Chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions:
Mix and brush over hot naan just after cooking.

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Tips for Perfect Naan

• Don’t over-knead; 5–7 minutes is plenty.

• Use high heat when cooking to get bubbles and char.

• Keep cooked naan warm in a towel-lined basket.

• For crispier naan, add less yogurt; for softer naan, add more.