Homemade Naan Recipe without Yeast on Stove Top

Published: Jan 21, 2012 · Modified: Feb 24, 2019 by Radhika · This post may contain affiliate links · 61 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Homemade Naan recipe without yeast – an easy and soft naan made on stove top with step by step photos.

Though I love eating rustic pillowy soft naans in dhabas, cooked in a tandoor, trust me when I say, you won’t have to go to a dhaba again to enjoy naans again.

These homemade naans are made on stove top and has no yeast. They remain soft for a long time and do not turn into plastic Frisbees that prove a challenge to chew and swallow.

Naans make a hearty and filling meal when it is paired with a sumptuous side dish like this paneer tikka masala or this quick paneer butter masala that gets done in 15 mins. This is how they serve in Restaurants too.

I have used bread slices to make these naan come out pillowy soft. These provide a good substitute for using yeast directly.

Many do not get good quality yeast and some who do not know how to yeast either kill it or do not activate it enough to get well raised dough.

This method will be helpful for people who do not want to use yeast. But in case if you are allergic to yeast, then skip the part and continue with the recipe. You will still be able to make dhaba style naan right in the comfort of your kitchen.

Notes before making Naans:

I have used all purpose flour. But you can also use whole wheat flour and if doing so, use it in the ratio of 3 parts Flour and 1 part wheat flour.
Generally 50% of liquid is required of the amount of flour you use. The dough should be loose.
Use fresh bread slices for a good result.
Using milk will not only give good texture but also taste great.
The yogurt has to be fresh or only slightly sour. If its too sour, the dough will also turn too sour upon resting.
If you are going to serve naans later, stack them one on top of the other and roll it in a clean kitchen towel.

Step wise instructionsfor Homemade Naan Recipe without yeast:

1.Stack the bread slices and trim the brown edges from all the sides and roughly tear them into pieces.

2. Place the torn bread pieces in a mixie jar and pulse it till resembles bread crumbs and transfer to a wide mixing bowl in which you are going to knead the dough.

3. Add sugar, baking soda, yogurt and milk. Whisk well and keep aside to let it rest for ½ hour.

4. To this mixture add flour, salt and knead into soft and pliant dough. If the dough is sticky add little flour. Grease your palm with oil and knead lightly. Smear oil all around the dough and close with a lid. Let it rest for at least 3 hours.

5. Pull an orange size of dough. Sprinkle flour on the rolling board.

6.I did not use a rolling pin but patted the naans with my hand as the dough will be very elastic and soft. Do use a rolling pin and form any shape you prefer. I have an oval shape here. If using onion seeds, sprinkle some on top and gently press for it to stick to the naan.

7. Place the tawa or a heavy girdle in the big burner and a mesh over the other burner of the stove.

8. Sprinkle water onto the hot tawa and immediately place the naan over the sizzling water and close with a lid.

9. The water will make the naan to stick to the tawa thereby giving it a smoky flavor as there is no way for the steam to escape. The flame should be high. Do not cook over low flame.

10. Cook for a minute and insert a spatula under the naan to release it and flip it on to the mesh with the cooked part facing top to cook it directly over the flame. The uncooked part should be facing the flame.

11. Cook over high flame and transfer to a plate. Continue with the rest of the dough.

Homemade Naan recipe without yeast on stove top is ready. Serve hot with any side dish of your choice. You can check out this Butter Naan which is another variation.