Easy Yeast-Free Homemade Naan Bread
A homemade naan recipe that skips the yeast entirely, this quick recipe using 5 simple ingredients is the method is for you. Made with basic pantry staples and yogurt, it yields soft, tender flatbread with classic blistered air pockets in just 35 minutes. Enjoy it plain brushed with warm ghee, load it with herbs and garlic or use it as a quick personal pizza crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (128 grams) all-purpose/plain flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (32 grams) plain yogurt room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable or light olive oil
- ¼ to ⅓ cup (59 to 78 ml) warm water
- Ghee (clarified butter)
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Form the Dough:
- Add the plain yogurt and oil. Start mixing with a fork while slowly adding a little water at a time until a soft naan dough forms into a ball. Use only as much water as needed so the dough isn't sticky.
Knead and Rest:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for 30 minutes so the gluten relaxes.
Shape:
- Divide the rested dough into 4 equal balls. Roll each portion out into a long oval or teardrop shape (about ¼-inch thick). (Note: If making garlic naan or adding sesame seeds, press your toppings gently into the raw dough with your rolling pin now).
Cook:
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly dab the top of the rolled dough with a little water using your fingers (this helps create those classic air bubbles). Carefully lay the dough watered-side down in the dry, hot pan.
Fip and Char:
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until large bubbles puff up and the bottom has golden-brown char spots. Flip, cover the pan with a lid or foil, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the other side is browned.
Brush and Serve:
- Remove from the pan and immediately use a pastry brush to brush the top generously with warm melted ghee. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
Optional additions:
Cilantro, chopped garlic, sesame seeds, onion powder. Add these to the raw dough while rolling to press into the dough.
Cilantro, chopped garlic, sesame seeds, onion powder. Add these to the raw dough while rolling to press into the dough.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 193mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g