Ella Walter
Naan bread is a soft, pillowy flatbread that is traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven. However, it is possible to achieve similar results by cooking naan bread in a frying pan. This method is ideal for those who do not have access to a tandoor oven or those who want to try making naan bread at home without investing in specialized equipment. By using a frying pan, you can create delicious, soft, and fluffy naan bread with a traditional char and flavour. The process is relatively simple and quick, taking around 20 minutes, including preparation time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven needed | No |
| Time taken | 20 minutes |
| Yeast needed | No |
| Frying pan type | Non-stick or stainless steel |
| Frying pan heat | Medium-high |
| Oil needed | Yes, if the pan is not non-stick |
| Cooking time | 3-5 minutes on each side |
| Storage | Room temperature for 1-2 days, or freeze for longer |
| Reheating | Microwave, oven, or skillet |
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What You'll Learn
Naan bread ingredients
Naan bread is a traditional Indian flatbread that can be cooked in a frying pan. It is usually served alongside Indian curries, lentils, and beans.
The ingredients for making naan bread are simple and you may already have them in your kitchen. The dough can be made without yeast, which means you don't need to wait for it to rise.
- Flour: Most recipes call for all-purpose flour, but some people like to use whole wheat flour or a mix of both.
- Leavening Agents: You can use yeast, baking powder, or baking soda, depending on your preference. Yeast will give a chewy texture, while baking powder and soda will provide extra rise and softness.
- Liquid: Warm water is essential to activate the yeast. Milk is also used in some recipes.
- Sweetener: A touch of honey or sugar can be added to the dough for a hint of sweetness.
- Salt: This is added for flavour and can be regular salt or flaky sea salt.
- Oil or Butter: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted butter are used to fry the naan bread and can also be added to the dough.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a traditional ingredient in naan bread, but some modern recipes omit it as it can make the dough denser.
- Flavourings: Garlic is commonly added to naan bread, either grated or in a garlic butter sauce brushed on after cooking. Other flavourings include coriander, black onion seeds, and parsley.
Once you have your ingredients, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the liquids to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough thinly, then cook each piece in a hot frying pan for a few minutes on each side until puffed up and golden. Your homemade naan bread is now ready to serve!
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How to shape the dough
Shaping the dough is an important step in making naan bread. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shape the dough for naan bread:
Firstly, dust a work surface with some flour. Take your prepared dough and place it on the floured surface. Sprinkle a small amount of flour on top of the dough and on your hands to prevent sticking. Next, shape the dough into a long rectangle. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, so be sure to dust with more flour as needed.
Using a rolling pin, roll each portion of dough into an oval shape. The dough should be rolled out thinly so that it will fit in your frying pan. A good size to aim for is about ⅛ inch thick and approximately 9 by 4 inches in dimension. If the dough is sticky, you can dust it with a little more flour. Flip-flop the dough back and forth between your hands to release any excess flour.
Now you are ready to place the dough in the pan. Gently lay the dough into the dry skillet, with the damp side down if you have wet the surface with water. Press the dough down with a spatula. It is important that your pan is hot before adding the dough. You can use a cast iron pan, a non-stick pan, or a stainless steel pan—just make sure it is nice and hot to get those perfect charred spots.
Once the dough is in the pan, it will start to cook. Fry the dough for about one minute on the first side. You will notice that it bubbles slightly and becomes slightly puffed up. Then, flip the dough to the second side and fry for another 30 to 45 seconds or until the underside is golden brown. You can cover the pan with a lid while frying to help contain the heat.
Finally, remove the naan from the skillet and stack it on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining dough. Your naan bread is now ready to be brushed with melted butter or ghee and served warm.
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Frying pan preparation
Naan bread can be made in a frying pan and it only takes around 20 minutes from start to finish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare naan bread using a frying pan:
Firstly, prepare the dough. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 cup of plain whole milk yoghurt, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 cup of warm water. You can also add 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of yeast to enhance the flavour and texture. Mix the ingredients until they form a soft dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it is too dry, add a little more water.
Once the dough is ready, dust a work surface with flour and place the dough on top. Sprinkle flour on the dough and your hands to prevent sticking, and shape the dough into a long rectangle. Cut the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Dust the balls with more flour as needed.
Next, heat a frying pan on medium-high heat. You can use a cast iron pan, a non-stick pan, or a stainless steel pan. If your pan is not non-stick, lightly grease it with sunflower oil or another type of oil.
Now, take one of the dough balls and use a rolling pin to roll it out into an oval shape about 1/8 inch thick (approximately 9 x 4 inches). Gently lay the dough in the dry skillet and cook until the top is bubbling and the bottom is golden and blackened in spots, which should take a few minutes.
Finally, flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly browned and blistered. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.
Once all the naan bread is cooked, brush the tops with melted butter or ghee and sprinkle with herbs or spices, such as parsley or garlic paste. Serve the naan bread warm or at room temperature.
You can store leftover naan bread in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave, oven, or skillet for a few seconds until warm.
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Cooking method
Naan bread can be cooked in a frying pan and only takes around 20 minutes, including prep. This method is ideal for those without access to a tandoor oven, the traditional method for cooking naan bread.
To begin, prepare your naan dough. The dough should contain flour, yogurt, garlic, and black onion seeds for a more intense flavour. If you are using active dry yeast, you may need to let it sit until frothy before adding it to the flour. Roll the dough into a long rectangle and cut it into six equal portions. Dust with flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten them into ovals about 1/8-inch thick.
Next, heat a frying pan to a medium-high heat. You may need to lightly grease the pan with oil if it is not non-stick. Once the pan is hot, place one of the flattened dough balls into the pan and cook until the top is bursting with air bubbles and the bottom is golden and blackened in spots, which should take a few minutes. Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the other side is lightly browned. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.
Finally, finish and serve the naan bread. Brush the cooked naan with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Stack the naans on a plate and serve warm or at room temperature.
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Storage and reheating
Naan bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoyed as a snack the next day. For longer storage, it is best to store naan in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or double-wrap and freeze.
When it comes to reheating naan bread, there are several methods that can be used, depending on the desired texture and level of charring. Here are some options:
Stove or Skillet
The stove or skillet method is ideal for achieving crispy edges and a soft, moist interior. First, soak the naan in milk or water for about 10 seconds to soften it. Then, place a non-stick or cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat and brush it with oil or ghee if desired. Put the damp naan into the hot skillet, cooking for 30 seconds on each side. This method is perfect for a small batch of naans.
Oven
Reheating naan in the oven is best for larger batches. Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and place the naan directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure even cooking. This method helps achieve a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy centre.
Microwave
The microwave method is a quick and easy way to reheat naan. Start by moistening the naan with milk or water, either by soaking or holding it under running water for a few seconds. You can also cover the naan with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 5 seconds, then transfer to a hot skillet for a few seconds on each side to crisp up.
Steamer
If you prefer softer naan, a steamer is an excellent option. Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Place the naan in the steamer basket and cover, allowing it to steam for 1-2 minutes. If the naan becomes too soggy, crisp it up in a hot pan for a few seconds on each side.
Open Flame
For an adventurous option that adds a nice char, try using an open flame. Wet the surface of the naan with water and hold it with tongs over a medium gas flame for about 60 seconds, flipping constantly. This method requires careful attention to avoid burning the naan.
Toaster
Using a toaster to reheat naan bread is generally not recommended, as it can negatively impact the texture and taste.
It is important to note that naan bread can get stale quickly, so it is best to reheat and consume it soon after storing to maintain its freshness and softness.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 20 minutes to cook naan bread in a frying pan, including prep time.
Heat a frying pan on medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil. Place the dough in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until puffed up and lightly golden.
You will need flour, yogurt, salt, baking powder, water, and oil for cooking. You can also add garlic, coriander, and black onion seeds for extra flavour.
