
Soft, fluffy homemade naan is easier than you think and cooks quickly in a hot frying pan. Yogurt keeps the dough tender, while garlic butter and fresh coriander make each warm flatbread rich, aromatic, and perfect for curries, dips, or wraps.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional nigella or cumin seeds. Whisk briefly so the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed.
Add 1 tbsp melted butter and the natural yogurt. Mix with your hands or a sturdy spoon, then gradually add 180-200 ml water, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a soft dough. Stop adding water once the dough comes together and is slightly tacky but not wet.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and rest for at least 1 hour to relax the gluten and help the naan cook up softer.
For the garlic butter, stir the crushed garlic and chopped coriander into the remaining 1 tbsp melted butter. Set aside while you shape and cook the naan.
Divide the rested dough into 8 large, 10 medium, or 12 small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and keep them covered so they do not dry out.
Working with one dough ball at a time, roll it on a lightly floured surface into a round, oval, or teardrop shape. Flip once and roll again so the thickness is even, about 3-5 mm.
Heat a dry frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook one naan for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles form and the underside has browned spots, then flip and cook the second side until puffed and golden in places.
Transfer the cooked naan to a plate, brush with garlic butter if using, and sprinkle with extra coriander. Cover with a clean tea towel to keep warm while cooking the remaining dough.
Use thick plain yogurt for the best texture; if your yogurt is thin, add the water more slowly. Keep the pan hot but not smoking, as a too-cool pan makes naan dry before it browns. Cooked naan is best served warm, but leftovers can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month; reheat in a dry pan or warm oven.