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Everyday Kitchen Ideas
Baking

Easy Homemade Tandoor-Style Naan Recipe

Make soft, fluffy, tandoor-style naan at home with a yeast-raised dough, a golden sesame-seed topping, and a tender, buttery finish. Perfect for serving with your favorite curry, kebabs, or grilled chicken.

Preparation
20 minutes
Baking
5-10 minutes
Total
145-150 minutes
Golden-brown tandoor-style naan bread with toasted spots and fresh herbs, stacked on a wooden board beside melted butter.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • warm water — 1 cup
  • warm milk — ½ cup
  • all-purpose flour — 4 cups
  • instant yeast — 1 tbsp
  • sugar — 2 tbsp
  • salt — 1 tsp
  • dry milk — 2 tbsp (optional)
  • yogurt — ¼ cup
  • baking soda — 1 tsp
  • ghee — 2 tbsp
  • Sesame seeds, as needed
  • Curd or egg wash (for brushing)
  • Stuffing of your choice (optional)
  • Extra ghee or butter (for brushing after cooking)

Directions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well and let it sit for 5 minutes.

  2. Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

    Add the warm milk, yogurt, salt, dry milk (if using), and baking soda. Mix everything together.

  3. Step 3: Make the Dough

    Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a soft dough forms.

  4. Step 4: Knead the Dough

    Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Add the 2 tablespoons of ghee and knead again until well incorporated.

  5. Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

    Cover the bowl and leave the dough in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has risen and become fluffy.

  6. Step 6: Divide into Balls

    Gently knead the dough and divide it into equal portions. Each naan ball can weigh approximately 180 g.

  7. Step 7: Shape the Naan

    Roll each ball into your desired naan shape. Add your favorite stuffing if desired, or leave it plain for traditional roghni naan.

  8. Step 8: Brush and Garnish

    Brush the surface with curd or egg wash, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

  9. Step 9: Cook on the Tawa

    Heat a tawa or flat skillet over medium heat. Place the naan on it and cook until the bottom is cooked and golden brown.

  10. Step 10: Finish in the Oven

    Preheat the oven's high broiler setting. Transfer the naan to an oven-safe tray and broil for approximately 3–5 minutes, watching carefully until the top becomes golden brown and lightly blistered.

  11. Step 11: Serve

    Remove the naan from the oven and brush with a little ghee or butter for extra softness and flavor. Enjoy your homemade tandoor-style naan with your favorite curry, kebabs, or grilled chicken.

Tips for Soft and Fluffy Tandoor-Style Naan

  • Use warm water and milk rather than hot liquids to protect the yeast and help the dough rise properly.
  • Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic for a soft, fluffy naan texture.
  • Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it has expanded and feels airy. Rising time may vary depending on room temperature.
  • Avoid adding too much extra flour while kneading, as this can make the naan dense or tough.
  • Divide the dough into evenly sized portions so the naan cooks at a similar rate.
  • Roll each portion evenly, keeping the dough thick enough to retain a soft interior while allowing the surface to brown.
  • Brush the naan with curd or egg wash before adding sesame seeds, if using, to help the seeds adhere.
  • Preheat the oven's broiler fully before finishing the naan so the top develops attractive golden-brown spots.
  • Use an oven-safe tray and watch the naan continuously under the broiler because it can brown or burn quickly.
  • Brush freshly cooked naan with ghee or butter while it is still warm to add flavor and help keep it soft.
  • Stack the cooked naan and cover it with a clean kitchen towel to help retain warmth and moisture before serving.
  • Serve warm with curry, kebabs, grilled chicken, or your favorite homemade meal.