Indian Style Naan Bread
Naan, soft and pillowy from the tandoor or skillet, is one of India’s most beloved breads. In Canada, it became part of everyday cooking through the country’s large South Asian communities, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. With Indian restaurants, bakeries, and home kitchens, naan moved from being a specialty food to a Canadian comfort, often served not just with curries but alongside barbecues and stews — proof of how seamlessly global flavours fit into our mosaic.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
Dough
1¾ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 tsp instant / rapid-rise yeast
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
½ cup warm water
2 tbsp milk
1½ tbsp whisked egg (about ½ a large egg), room temperature
2 tbsp (30 g) melted ghee or unsalted butter
For Cooking/Finishing (Optional)
2 tbsp melted ghee or butter
1 small garlic clove, grated (for garlic butter)
Nigella seeds (optional)
Chopped coriander (optional)
Method
In a small bowl, mix the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Cover and let sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and egg together.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the milk/egg mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then bring together by hand until smooth (no kneading required).
Place dough in a covered bowl and let rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, divide into 6 equal pieces, and roll each into a ball. Rest for 15 minutes.
Roll each ball into an oval or circle about 3–4 mm (⅛ inch) thick.
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over high heat until very hot. Cook naan for 1–1½ minutes per side, until puffed with deep golden spots.
Brush warm naan with melted ghee or garlic butter. Add nigella seeds or chopped coriander if desired.
Variations
Garlic Naan – brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley.
Whole Wheat Naan – swap half the flour for whole wheat for a nutty, hearty bread.
Cheese-Stuffed Naan – fill with grated cheddar or mozzarella for a Canadian twist.