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  3. Butter Naan
A delicious spread of Indian cuisine featuring curry, naan bread, and flavorful dishes.

Classic soft naan brushed generously with butter

Butter Naan

Butter Naan

30 minEasy

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

30 min

Servings

4

8 naans

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Butter Naan

Classic soft naan brushed generously with butter

The classic plain naan—soft, slightly chewy, and generously brushed with melted butter. The quintessential Indian bread for scooping up curries and dals.

15m

Prep Time

15m

Cook Time

30m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Budget $

Cost

Indian CuisineSide DishVegetarian
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

August 5, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

Butter naan is the bread that launched a thousand curries. Soft, slightly charred, and glistening with melted butter, it is the perfect vehicle for every sauce, dal, and curry in the Indian repertoire.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of yogurt and baking powder creates a tender, airy crumb without yeast. A generous butter finish while hot allows it to melt into the surface.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup warm milk and 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 1 tbsp oil, salt to taste
  • 4 tbsp melted butter for brushing
  • Nigella seeds (kalonji) for topping (optional)
  • Extra flour for dusting

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine flour, sugar, leaveners, and salt; mix in milk, yogurt, and oil to form a soft dough.

  2. 2

    Knead 5 minutes until smooth, cover, and rest 1 hour.

  3. 3

    Divide into 8 balls, roll each into a tear-drop shape, and sprinkle with nigella seeds if using.

  4. 4

    Cook on a blazing-hot cast-iron skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until puffed and charred.

  5. 5

    Brush immediately with melted butter and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice

  • Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime

  • Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side

Substitutions

All-purpose flourBread flour

Creates a slightly chewier naan

ButterGhee

Ghee gives a more aromatic, nutty finish

FlavorPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Garam Masala

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the spice blend matters

A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.

This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.

  • Adds warmer depth quickly
  • Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes

If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.

Shop garam masala for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • The tear-drop shape is traditional for naan—roll the ball, then stretch one end slightly.

  • Use a cast-iron skillet heated for at least 5 minutes for the best results.

Storage

Wrap in foil and store for up to 2 days refrigerated. Freeze for 1 month.

Reheating

Sprinkle with water, wrap in foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (15mg) · 4 servings

Calories190
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein5g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat6g
Fiber280mg
Sugar1g
Sodium2g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yeast instead?
Yes, use 1 tsp active dry yeast with warm milk and let rise 1 hour for a fluffier naan.
What is the best skillet to use?
Cast iron retains heat best and gives the closest results to a tandoor.

Explore More

More Indian RecipesMore Side DishVegetarian RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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