Bread Machine Naan

Bread is one of those things that just makes you happy. And fresh naan might bring an emotion bordering on euphoria. As it turns out, this delightful staple of Indian cuisine is actually quite easy to make at home with this naan recipe for bread machines—as long as you have a bread machine to prepare the dough, of course.

The secret to making a great naan lies in a few unexpected ingredients—and in the fact that these thick portions of dough are quickly fried to perfection. There may be more to learn about Indian cooking in general, but you’re in the right place for this beloved bread.

Bread Machine Naan Ingredients

• Milk: You’ll be using 2% milk for this recipe, and you’ll want to warm so it is between 70° to 80°F.
• Plain yogurt: Plain yogurt is one of the ingredients you might not expect to find in a recipe for dough, but it adds so much to the texture.
• Egg: The egg should be at room temperature before it’s beaten and added to the bread machine. You’ll want to set the egg on the counter for at least 30 minutes before you start making the bread.
• Canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor profile, so it’s a good choice for this naan recipe.
• Sugar: The 2 teaspoons sugar add some sweetness to the bread and also help the yeast work away on the flour.
• Salt: We often don’t mention salt in our recipes, especially when it is used to taste, but here you want to be precise, using 1 teaspoon.
• Baking powder: You’ll also want to be precise with that 1 teaspoon baking powder, as it is portioned out carefully relative to the flour.
• Bread flour: You’ll use 4 cups bread flour to make six servings of naan. And hopefully you’ll get to enjoy a piece yourself once your family gets a taste!
• Active dry yeast: The 2 teaspoons active dry yeast are the perfect amount to have your naan rising to the occasion, as it were.

Directions

Step 1: Create the dough

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In a bread machine’s pan, place all the ingredients in the order listed (or as suggested by the bread maker’s manufacturer). Select the dough setting, and turn on the bread machine. Check the dough after five minutes of mixing, and add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour if needed to balance the consistency.

Step 2: Form dough balls

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When the bread machine cycle has completed, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into six portions and shape them into balls.

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Then roll each ball into a 1/4-inch-thick oval, and let the dough rest for five minutes.

Step 3: Fry the dough in batches

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Brush the top of each piece of dough with water. Then, in a large greased skillet over medium-high heat, place one piece of dough, wet side down. Cook it, covered, for one minute. Turn the dough, cover the skillet again, and cook the naan for 30 seconds longer or until the dough has turned golden brown. Repeat the cooking with the remaining dough.

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Bread Machine Naan Variations

• Use sour cream instead of yogurt: If you don’t have plain yogurt on hand, you can substitute sour cream in its place and the bread will come out great.
• Try it with olive oil: Olive oil will change the flavor of this naan in a way that canola oil won’t. Most people will enjoy the subtle complexity olive oil adds.
• Add some heat: Mixing a dash of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes into the bread machine as the dough is formed gives this hearty bread a bit of a kick.

How to Store Bread Machine Naan

Freshly made naan usually lasts well for two to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also last up to a week if refrigerated.

Can you freeze naan?

Yes, naan can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze it, wrap each piece of naan in airtight wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be thawed at room temperature.

Bread Machine Naan Tips

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How do I tell if my yeast is good?

Yeast should smell like bread, not sour or stale. If it smells off, it’s bad. If you’re not sure, though, test it out. You can test if your yeast is still good with a foam test. Add 1 teaspoon sugar to 1/4 cup warm water (about 100°F), stir in 2 teaspoons yeast, and let it stand for 10 minutes. If the yeast foams to the 1/2 cup mark, it is active; if not, it has gone bad.

What should I serve with this naan?

Really anything can be served with this naan. Classic Indian and other South Asian dishes are ideal, including aloo gobi, butter chicken, sambar and more.

What can I do to add more flavor to this naan bread maker machine recipe?

Try using a flavored salt, like garlic salt, when you prepare the naan. Garlic salt will infuse the bread with lots of flavor.