Homemade Naan Bread

Indian food is one of my favorite types of cuisine.  I feel like I have Mexican cooking mastered, as we eat that at least three times a week.  I haven't exactly mastered the art of Indian cooking yet, but I love to make it.  The blend of spices is so fragrant and just makes the house smell awesome.  Usually when cook Indian-style, I cheat and buy Naan bread at the store.  I've had this recipe for years but I only make it occasionally.  In an effort to do more things myself, I started making this bread again, and serving it whenever we have Indian cuisine.  It's well worth the effort!

Warm, crispy Naan bread. 
Ready for your next Indian meal!

The Ingredients

Combine sugar, warm water and yeast.

Combine flour, salt and baking soda.

Add oil and yogurt to flour mixture.

Stir in yeast mixture.
Mix well.
Knead for a few minutes until a soft dough forms.

Place dough in a greased bowl.

Cover with a towel and let rise
in a warm place.

When dough has doubled in size,
punch down.  Knead briefly.

Divide dough into 8 equal portions.
Cover with a towel and let rise again.

Roll into oval shapes. Brush with water
and place on a hot griddle.

Cook Naan on both sides until golden and bubbly.



Place Naan under the broiler to crisp.



Enjoy with your favorite Indian Cuisine.

Homemade Naan Bread

3 packages active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup yogurt

Dissolve sugar in the water and add yeast.  Stir well and allow to sit for 10 minutes.  Combine flour, salt and baking soda in a large bowl.  Add in yogurt, oil and the yeast mixture.  Mix together until you get a soft dough.  Knead for about 5 minutes.  Place the dough in a large, greased bowl and cover with a towel.  Let rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours.  When the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead briefly.  Divide the dough into 8 equal balls.  Place on a greased tray or baking sheet.  Cover with towel and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes.  To prepare the Naan, take one ball and roll out onto a floured surface.  Brush one side of the dough with water.  Cook for a few minutes on a very hot griddle or skillet (without oil).  When the dough is bubbling, flip over and cook on the other side for a few minutes.  Repeat the same technique with the other dough parts.  Place cooked Naan bread in the oven, directly on the cooking rack under the broiler.  Watch carefully, as they will burn quick.  Allow Naan to get brown and crisp in places.  Serve warm.

Prep Time:  Approximately 2.5 hours     Cook Time:  Approximately 15 minutes