Grilled Naan: Soft & Delicious Flatbread

Ever dreamt of that perfect, slightly charred, blistered naan bread that melts in your mouth? Well, stop dreaming and start grilling! This recipe brings the authentic taste of tandoor-baked naan right to your backyard, and it’s surprisingly simple to achieve. Get ready for a flavour explosion that will elevate your next meal to new heights.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s incredibly delicious with a slightly smoky flavour from the grill.
• The texture is spot-on: soft, pillowy inside with those desirable charred spots.
• It’s surprisingly easy and quick to make, requiring minimal effort.
• Perfect as a side for curries, dips, or even on its own with some butter.
• Highly customizable with different herbs, spices, or garlic butter.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

While many naan recipes are cooked in a pan, grilling the naan creates that wonderfully smoky flavour and those signature charred, blistered spots that you simply can’t achieve any other way. We also use a slightly higher hydration dough, making it extra soft and pliable, perfect for grilling. It’s a simple change, but makes a huge difference in both texture and flavour!

Ingredient List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar – This helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing after grilling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the warm water, yogurt, and vegetable oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, set one burner to medium-high and keep the others off, creating a heat zone and a cooler zone. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to create two zones – one hot and one cooler.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6-8 equal-sized pieces.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into an oval shape about 1/4-inch thick.
8. Lightly brush one side of each naan with oil.
9. Place the oiled side of the naan directly on the hot grill grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until puffed up and slightly charred.
10. Flip the naan over and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes, until lightly charred.
11. Remove from grill and brush with melted butter, if desired. Serve warm.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your grilled naan to the next level? Try these delicious options:

• Garlic Butter Naan: Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1-2 minced garlic cloves and brush generously over the grilled naan.
• Cilantro Lime Naan: Mix the butter with finely chopped cilantro and the zest of half a lime.
• Herbed Naan: Mix your butter with finely chopped herbs like parsley, oregano or chives.
• Spiced Naan: Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or other spices on the oil side of the naan before grilling.

Expert Tips

• Ensure your grill is hot before adding the naan. A hot grill is key for creating those nice charred spots.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook the naan in batches to maintain even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Watch the naan carefully while grilling, as they can burn quickly. Adjust the heat as needed.
• Use a good quality vegetable oil for brushing. It helps to create a barrier and ensure the naan grills properly.
• For extra soft naan, wrap the freshly grilled bread in a clean kitchen towel for a few minutes. This steams the bread and keeps it soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can. Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding to the other ingredients.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bring the dough to room temperature before using.
• Can I freeze the cooked naan? Yes, you can freeze the cooked naan once it has cooled down completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, then reheat on the grill or in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Can I bake this naan instead of grilling? Yes, you can bake the naan in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 8-10 minutes or until puffed up and slightly browned. But grilling is highly recommended for flavour.
• My dough is too sticky, what should I do? If your dough is too sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time while kneading. If it is too dry, add a splash of warm water.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and experiment with these fun variations to personalize your grilled naan!

• Stuffed Naan: Add a thin layer of your favourite filling (such as seasoned potatoes, cheese, or spiced meats) in the center of the dough before rolling it out. Then grill as per usual.
• Whole Wheat Naan: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option with a slightly nutty flavour.
• Sweet Naan: Add a teaspoon of cardamom and 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to the dough for a slightly sweet version.
• Vegan Naan: Simply replace the yogurt with a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled naan is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! Serve it alongside your favourite Indian curries, as a side to grilled meats, or use it to scoop up delicious dips like hummus or baba ghanoush. They’re also great as a base for mini pizzas or wraps, or simply served warm with butter or garlic butter as a snack.

Conclusion

This grilled naan recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The smoky flavor and soft, charred texture will make you feel like a professional chef. So fire up your grill and get ready to experience the magic of homemade naan. Don’t forget to share photos of your creations! We’d love to see them. If you enjoyed this recipe subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing recipes!

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