This quick Cheats Naan recipe is a joyful hack for anyone who loves a good curry and wants a soft, pillowy bread without the wait. It is perfect for busy weeknights and for those who enjoy cooking, easy recipes that do not compromise on taste. Using yogurt and self-raising flour, the method yields a spongy naan with great mop up ability in just minutes.
Why this Cheats Naan works
The secret is simplicity. Instead of waiting for yeast to prove, a mix of yogurt and self-raising flour creates a pliable dough that needs only a couple of minutes of kneading. A teaspoon of honey adds the faint sweetness often found in traditional naan. The result is not an authentic replica but it delivers on texture, flavour and that comforting mop up ability each curry night deserves.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 375 grams self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil for shaping
- Butter or ghee to finish
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or heavy skillet
- Spatula or tongs
Method
- Combine the yogurt, salt and honey in a mixing bowl and add the self-raising flour a little at a time until it comes together into a soft dough. The dough should be pliable and bendy but not sticky.
- Knead for a couple of minutes to bring it together. The kneading is part of the fun and will give the dough some spring.
- Divide the dough into six pieces. If the pieces are a little tacky, push them down with your palm to remove excess moisture before shaping.
- Use the palm of the hand to press and stretch each piece into a flat naan shape. A little oil on the hands helps prevent sticking.
- Heat a dry pan over medium high heat and place the naan in. Cook until bubbles form and the underside has golden spots, then flip and cook the other side. A quick flick or flip will show whether the naan is ready to turn.
- Rub a little butter or ghee on the hot naan and serve immediately with curry or as a snack.
Quick finishing touches
A small chunk of butter rubbed over the hot naan gives shine and richness. For serving with a curry, try a swirl of cream on the sauce and a kiss of fresh mint to brighten the dish. Pickles or a little vinegar on the side lift the whole plate and add satisfying contrast.
Serving suggestions
- Use the naan to mop up butter chicken, dal or any saucy curry.
- For breakfast, toast and spread with peanut butter for a quick treat.
- Stack and wrap leftovers to keep warm for grazing guests.
Tips and tricks
- Use self-raising flour to skip the proving step and speed things up.
- Keep the dough slightly tacky so it will stretch easily but not stick to hands.
- Cook on medium high to get a rapid rise and those desirable charred spots.
- If cooking for a crowd, work in batches and keep finished naan covered under a towel to stay soft.
- For a touch of authenticity, finish with a little ghee and chopped coriander.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an authentic naan?
No. This is a cheats version designed for speed. It is a happy compromise that delivers the spongy texture and flavour that make naan perfect for mopping up a curry.
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising?
Yes, but if using plain flour add a small amount of baking powder to mimic the lift of self-raising flour. Otherwise authentic recipes use yeast, which requires proving time.
How should leftovers be stored?
Let naan cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan or oven to bring back softness. For longer storage freeze wrapped flat and reheat from frozen.
Final notes on quick, satisfying cooking
This Cheats Naan is a joyful example of fuss free cooking, easy recipes and real family friendly food. It gives that comforting pillow like texture, the right mop up ability and a fresh finish every time. Keep it in the midweek repertoire for instant smiles and saucy plates.
"The nan is so... It is just like a pillow."
With a few pantry staples and less than ten minutes of hands on time, anyone can add this quick bread to their list of favourite cooking, easy recipes to reach for again and again.
This article was created from the video How To Make Jamie's Cheats Naan Bread In 3 Minutes With Claudia Winkleman with the help of AI.
How To Make Cheats Naan Bread In 3 Minutes | cooking, easy recipes. There are any How To Make Cheats Naan Bread In 3 Minutes | cooking, easy recipes in here.
