Print

Easy Homemade Naan Bread Stovetop Recipe Perfect for Beginners

easy homemade naan bread - featured image

A quick and easy stovetop naan bread recipe using simple pantry staples and yogurt for soft, pillowy bread with authentic charred spots, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) plain yogurt (Greek yogurt or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • Butter or ghee for brushing (unsalted, melted)
  • Optional toppings: minced garlic, chopped cilantro, nigella seeds, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined. (5 minutes)
  2. Add wet ingredients: Stir in yogurt and olive oil or melted butter. Gradually add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough forms a soft, slightly sticky ball. (5-7 minutes)
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky, but avoid overdoing it. (5 minutes)
  4. Rest the dough: Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let dough rest for 30 minutes to relax gluten for softer naan. (Optional, can be skipped)
  5. Divide and roll: Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and flatten into an oval or teardrop shape about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. (10 minutes)
  6. Heat the pan: Place skillet over medium-high heat until hot. (3-5 minutes)
  7. Cook the naan: Place one dough piece in skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook other side 1-2 minutes. Press gently with spatula to puff. (4 minutes per naan)
  8. Butter it up: Remove from skillet and immediately brush with melted butter or ghee. Add optional minced garlic or cilantro while warm. (1 minute)
  9. Repeat: Continue with remaining dough pieces, adjusting heat as needed.

Notes

Do not skip the yogurt as it keeps the naan soft and tender. Use medium-high heat but avoid scorching. Letting the dough rest helps gluten relax for softer bread. Press gently during cooking to encourage puffing. Brush generously with butter or ghee for richness. If dough sticks, dust rolling surface lightly with flour and ensure pan is well-heated but not smoking.

Nutrition

Keywords: naan bread, homemade naan, stovetop naan, easy naan recipe, Indian bread, quick naan, yogurt naan, no yeast naan