Few things match the delight of fresh, soft, and buttery naan straight from the tandoor or skillet. Butter naan is a beloved Indian bread that complements a variety of vegetarian dishes perfectly.
Whether you’re dipping it into rich curries, scooping up hearty dals, or enjoying it with a simple pat of butter, this flatbread brings warmth and comfort to the table. Making butter naan at home is easier than you might think, requiring basic ingredients and a little patience to get that pillowy texture and golden-brown char.
In this detailed butter naan recipe, we’ll walk you through every step to create authentic Indian-style naan right in your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and anyone who loves Indian cuisine, and it pairs beautifully with a wide range of veg recipes from India.
Ready to impress your family and friends with homemade naan? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Butter naan is a staple of Indian dining, and this recipe captures the essence of authentic naan with a rich buttery touch. You’ll love how soft and fluffy the naan turns out, with just the right amount of chewiness and a slightly crisp exterior.
This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and requires no special equipment, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Plus, the dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, saving you prep time on busy days.
Best of all, butter naan is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for scooping up spicy vegetable curries, dal, and chutneys, or simply enjoyed on its own with a smear of butter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted ghee
- 3/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- 3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: minced garlic or chopped cilantro for garlic or herb butter naan
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan
- Pastry brush (for butter)
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap (for covering dough)
- Optional: Tandoor or oven with broiler for authentic char
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 8-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yogurt, oil, and the yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a soft dough. You may need to add a little extra water or flour to get the right consistency.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Divide the dough: Punch down the risen dough gently and divide it into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Shape the naan: On a floured surface, roll out each ball into an oval or teardrop shape about 1/4 inch thick. If you prefer garlic butter naan, sprinkle minced garlic or cilantro on the dough and press lightly.
- Cook the naan: Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the rolled naan on the hot skillet. When bubbles start to form and the bottom turns golden (2-3 minutes), flip it over.
- Finish cooking: Cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden spots appear. For an extra authentic touch, you can use a kitchen torch or place the naan under a broiler for a few seconds to get charred spots.
- Brush with butter: Remove the naan from the skillet and brush generously with melted butter. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
For softer naan, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough instead of water.
Try adding nigella seeds or sesame seeds to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
For garlic butter naan, brush the cooked naan with garlic-infused butter and sprinkle fresh cilantro.
If you don’t have a skillet, naan can also be cooked on a grill or baked in a very hot oven on a pizza stone.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 naan) |
---|---|
Calories | 180-220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 6g |
Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 250mg |
Serving Suggestions
Butter naan pairs beautifully with Muthiya Kadhi, a tangy and creamy Indian yogurt-based curry. It also complements rich vegetarian gravies such as paneer butter masala or chana masala perfectly.
For a simple meal, enjoy naan with a dollop of homemade chutney or raita. It’s also fantastic as a wrap filled with grilled veggies or spiced potatoes.
If you love experimenting with Indian breads, check out our Lamonica’S Pizza Dough Recipe for another twist on flatbreads.
Conclusion
Making butter naan at home is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen. This recipe offers an authentic taste with a soft, buttery finish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of vegetarian dishes.
With just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, you can enjoy warm, fresh naan any day of the week.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this butter naan recipe is straightforward, adaptable, and delicious. So why not give it a try and elevate your next meal with this classic Indian bread?
For more delicious recipes, explore our Harvest Hash Recipe or dive into the savory delights of Ground Pork And Mushroom Recipes.
📖 Recipe Card: Butter Naan Recipe – Veg Recipes of India
Description: Soft and fluffy butter naan, a popular Indian flatbread, perfect for pairing with curries and dals. Made with simple ingredients and cooked on a hot skillet or tandoor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp oil (for dough)
- Butter for brushing
- Optional: chopped garlic or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water; let it activate for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add yogurt, oil, and yeast mixture to the flour.
- Knead into a soft dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Divide dough into 4 balls and roll each into an oval shape.
- Cook naan on a hot skillet until bubbles form, then flip.
- Cook other side until golden brown spots appear.
- Brush hot naan with melted butter and garnish if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite curry.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 33 g
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