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Craving warm, pillowy naan that’s bursting with smoky flavor?
Forget take-out! This grilled naan recipe is unbelievably easy and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own backyard (or kitchen!). Get ready to impress yourself, your family, and your friends with this incredibly versatile and delicious bread.
Why You’ll Love It
- The smoky char from the grill adds an amazing depth of flavor you can’t get from a stovetop.
- The texture is incredible – light, airy, and slightly chewy with crispy edges.
- It’s surprisingly quick to make, especially if you use store-bought dough.
- Perfect for pairing with curries, dips, salads, or enjoying on its own.
- It’s highly customizable with different toppings, seasonings, and herb blends.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
What sets this grilled naan recipe apart is the high heat of the grill. This intense heat creates those beautiful charred spots that are the hallmark of authentic, delicious naan. We’ll also brush the dough with a touch of ghee (or butter) which helps it get that gorgeous golden color and enhances the flavor. Plus, you’ll get a wonderful texture from direct grilling that’s difficult to replicate using other cooking methods.
Ingredient List
- 1 pound store-bought naan dough (or homemade if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (or melted butter) – Ghee adds a wonderful nutty flavor and higher smoke point
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, mint)
- Optional: Garlic powder or other seasonings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot!
- If using store-bought dough, divide it into 4-6 equal-sized pieces. If using homemade dough, follow your recipe instructions for dividing and shaping.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll each piece of dough into an oval, about ¼ inch thick.
- Brush each rolled-out piece of dough with melted ghee (or butter).
- Carefully place the dough directly onto the hot grill grates.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until puffed up and beautifully charred. Watch carefully as they can cook quickly!
- Remove the grilled naan from the grill and sprinkle with sea salt.
- If desired, top with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Optional Toppings/Variations
Take your grilled naan to the next level with these delicious additions:
- Garlic Herb Naan: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint after grilling.
- Spiced Naan: Before grilling, sprinkle the dough with a pinch of garam masala, cumin, or chili powder.
- Cheese Naan: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or paneer cheese on top of the dough during the last minute of grilling and let it melt.
Expert Tips
- Ensure your grill is preheated properly to achieve the best char.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill – cook the naan in batches for even cooking.
- Watch the naan carefully while grilling, it cooks quickly and can burn easily.
- Use a pair of tongs to flip the naan over.
- Serve the grilled naan immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use regular butter instead of ghee? Yes, you can use melted butter, but ghee will provide a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best to serve grilled naan immediately. However, you can grill it ahead of time and warm it up in a low oven, but the texture may change a bit.
- Can I use pre-made dough from the store? Absolutely! This is a great way to save time.
- How do I store leftover naan? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- What if i don’t have a grill? You can use a cast iron skillet on your stovetop but keep in mind you will not achieve the same smoky flavor.
Variations and Customization Options
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are some ideas:
- Sweet Naan: Brush with honey or maple syrup after grilling and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Vegan Naan: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of ghee.
- Herbed Oil: Combine olive oil with dried herbs like oregano or thyme and brush on the dough for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled naan is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with your favorite Indian curries, use it to scoop up hummus or baba ghanoush, or enjoy it alongside grilled meats or salads. It also makes a delicious and impressive appetizer when topped with different spreads and dips.
Conclusion
Ready to experience the magic of homemade grilled naan? This recipe is incredibly simple, yet delivers extraordinary flavor and texture. It’s perfect for any occasion and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Share your photos and tag us – we can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
