The perennial dilemma - what to serve with naan! If you're a fan of the soft, pillowy goodness of naan, you know that it's a versatile bread that can complement a wide range of dishes. From curries to grilled meats to refreshing dips and spreads, there's no shortage of delectable options that pair perfectly with this Indian flatbread. So if you're looking to take your naan game to the next level, buckle up and prepare to be inspired by this eclectic and mouthwatering list of pairings that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Never wonder what to serve with naan with this ultimate guide!
Jump to:
- The BEST naan recipe
- Naan versus other Indian bread
- Best vegetarian recipes to serve with naan
- Best meat recipes to serve with naan
- Use naan bread to create these amazing dishes
- To Conclude
- Comments
The BEST naan recipe
Here is my tried and tested recipe to make the BEST no-knead naan bread in the comfort of your own home. Now, you may think I am biased but allow me to elaborate on why my naan recipe is the best.
So what makes a naan the BEST? I love good naan bread and for me, these are some of the top features to call it the best:
- Soft, pillowy, and chewy texture: A great naan recipe will produce a flatbread that is soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of chewiness.
- Airy pockets: A hallmark of great naan is the presence of airy pockets, which are created during the cooking process and help to give the bread its distinctive texture.
- Charred spots: Typically, traditional naan is prepared in a tandoor oven or clay oven, resulting in a slightly charred texture from the high heat. I will show you how to recreate that lovely char with a mild smoky flavor without using a tandoor.
- Delicious flavor: The best naan recipe will produce bread with a delicious flavor that is not too bland or too overpowering.
- Ease of preparation: While making naan can be a bit time-consuming, the best recipes will be straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice cooks.
I truly believe that when followed correctly, my amazing yet ridiculously simple recipe checks all these boxes to give you the most incredible-tasting naan. Brush warm naan bread with melted butter to add a touch of comfort and indulgence to your meal. Now that we have the best naan, let's move on to the big question - what to serve with naan bread?
If you have leftover naan, don't worry. Check out these resources to learn how to freeze naan properly and the ultimate guide to reheating naan.
Naan versus other Indian bread
Among the many types of Indian bread, roti, chapati, paratha, and poori are some of the most popular. Although all of these flatbreads share some similarities, such as their shape and form, there are differences in their ingredients and methods of preparation.
Roti, chapati, paratha, and poori are delicious Indian bread that is a part of everyday Indian meals. They're all made from atta, a type of whole wheat flour that's commonly used in Indian cuisine. In contrast to naan, which is leavened and made with plain flour, all of these bread varieties are unleavened.
Roti is made by rolling the dough and cooking it on a tawa or griddle, often without any oil. Chapati, on the other hand, is rolled and folded to create layers and cooked on the tawa with oil or ghee. Paratha usually has a filling or stuffing and poori is deep-fried in oil.
Best vegetarian recipes to serve with naan
If you're serving homemade naan bread and looking for some vegetarian options, these recipes are perfect for Meatless Mondays or any day of the week! They're also great for those who are cutting down on their meat intake or following a vegetarian diet. You can pair your pillowy naan with dishes like chana masala, kadai paneer, and
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is a scrumptious vegetarian version of chicken tikka, consisting of cubed paneer and vegetables that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It's an effortless dish that has a delicious taste, can be prepared quickly, and served as a delectable appetizer at any gathering or party.
Get the recipe: Paneer Tikka.
Butter Paneer
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of homemade butter paneer, a classic Indian dish made with cottage cheese, tomatoes, a blend of aromatic spices, and butter. With this simple recipe, you can easily create a delicious version of butter paneer that beats any restaurant's offering.
Get the recipe: Butter Paneer.
Kadai Paneer
Kadai paneer, a delectable Indian dish, combines cubes of paneer, onions, bell peppers, and aromatic spices to create a flavorful, satisfying, and delicious meal. This dish can be whipped up in just under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick and easy dinner. Pairs well with garlic naan or butter naan.
Get the recipe: Kadai Paneer.
Aloo Gobi
This classic Punjabi dish features potatoes and cauliflower as its main ingredients, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weekday dinner. Made with warm spices and simple ingredients, aloo gobi is a comforting and nourishing option that's sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Get the recipe: Aloo Gobi.
Chana Masala
Thisauthentic chana masalais hearty, comforting, and so full of flavors! It is one of the most popular vegetarian curries around the world. Made usingdried chickpeasand aromaticchana masala powder, this easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal.
Get the recipe: Chana masala.
Palak Paneer
Indulge in the goodness of Palak Paneer, a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and Indian cottage cheese. This recipe uses frozen spinach in the
Get the recipe: Palak Paneer.
Vegetable Korma
Indulge in a deliciously healthy and flavorful veg korma, made with a medley of vegetables in a creamy masala base. The silky and luscious sauce of this dish is enriched with the goodness of cashew and coconut milk, making it a perfect addition to your meal.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Korma.
Bombay Aloo
These Bombay potatoes are a perfect side dish to serve with naan. They have a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior that will leave you craving for more. With minimal prep work and cooking time, this dish is a quick and easy addition to any meal.
Get the recipe: Bombay Aloo.
Lentil soup
Instant Pot lentil soup is a simple, hearty, and nutritious dish that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. This recipe for curry lentil soup is made with simple ingredients and packed with warming spices. It can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an easy, quick, and satisfying meal.
Get the recipe: Lentil soup.
Paneer tikka masala
Paneer tikka masala is a delectable vegetarian dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends and family. The marinated and grilled paneer is combined with a rich and spicy tomato-based gravy, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is a great way to introduce people to Indian cuisine and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, with its simple preparation, it's an easy and stress-free way to impress your guests. Follow this recipe and use chicken to make chicken tikka masala.
Get the recipe: Paneer Tikka Masala.
Best meat recipes to serve with naan
Naan and meat dishes are a match made in food heaven. The combination of soft and fluffy naan with perfectly spiced meats is irresistible. From juicy kebabs to rich curries with flavorful gravies, this list of meat dishes is sure to satisfy your cravings. My personal favorites include chicken tikka and the ever-popular butter chicken.
Chicken Tikka
This recipe is tried and tested for making juicy, tender, and flavor-packed chicken tikka. Commonly known as murg tikka, this dish involves marinating boneless chicken in yogurt and spices before grilling it to perfection. It's a straightforward recipe that's perfect for making an appetizer for parties.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tikka.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Skip the takeout and add some excitement to your dinner with this delightful and authentic chicken tikka masala recipe. You will enjoy tender grilled chicken pieces smothered in a rich onion-tomato masala sauce, creating a truly delectable meal.
Get the recipe: Authentic chicken tikka masala.
Tangdi Kabab
This recipe showcases the Indian-style grilled chicken drumsticks, also known as Chicken Tangri Kabab. The drumsticks are marinated in a blend of yogurt, herbs, and spices before being grilled to perfection. This particular recipe focuses on the Hariyali kabab, where green herbs are used in the marinade.
Get the recipe: Hariyali Chicken Tangi Kabab.
Chicken Masala
Chicken masala is a quintessential Indian dish that is loved for its simplicity and delicious flavor. This recipe exemplifies a home-style, no-fuss chicken curry that pairs perfectly with rice, chapati, naan, or paratha.
Get the recipe: Chicken masala.
Butter Chicken
Satisfy your taste buds with a heartwarming and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken coated in a mildly spiced creamy sauce. This creamy dish, known as Murg Makhani Curry or Butter Chicken Masala, is both comforting and fulfilling. With this tried and tested recipe, you can achieve a restaurant-style taste in the comfort of your own home in under 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Butter Chicken.
Chicken Vindaloo
Vindaloo, a Portuguese-influenced Goan dish, is a flavorful and spicy delicacy that involves marinating chicken in the vindaloo masala paste. Although it's a popular curry found on Indian restaurant menus, it's surprisingly easy to make at home. Finish the meal with a glass of chilled salt lassi.
Get the recipe: Chicken Vindaloo.
Keema Matar
Keema Matar, also known as Keema, is a traditional Indian-style curry that combines ground meat (kheema) and green peas (matar). With the use of basic Indian spices, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Meat Curry.
Instant Pot Lamb Curry
Moist and fork-tender lamb in a flavorful and aromatic masala base made in the
Get the recipe: Lamb Curry.
Saag Gosht
Tender and succulent lamb pieces cooked in mildly spiced spinach gravy make this Saag Gosht a truly comforting and hearty dish. Pair it with naan, roti, or rice for a delicious meal.
Get the recipe: Lamb Spinach Curry.
Lamb Vindaloo
Lamb vindaloo is a tasty and spicy Goan dish with Portuguese roots. To prepare this dish, the lamb is typically marinated in a flavorful vindaloo masala paste and cooked until the meat is tender and soaks up all the flavors.You can replace lamb with pork or beef to make pork vindaloo and beef vindaloo. Don't forget to finish the meal with a glass of chilled sweet lassi.
Get the recipe: Lamb Vindaloo.
Lamb Kolhapuri
Indulge in the rich and bold flavors of Maharashtra with this mouthwatering Kolhapuri lamb curry. Known for its unique taste and versatility, this dish can be made with both lamb and goat meat, making it a perfect choice for meat lovers. Don't forget to finish the meal with a glass of chilled mango lassi.
Get the recipe: Kolhapuri lamb curry.
Use naan bread to create these amazing dishes
Since we no longer have to worry about what to serve with naan, let's take advantage of this versatile bread and use it to create delicious and satisfying meals that can stand on their own. Try incorporating naan into these mouth-watering recipes for a unique and flavorful twist on classic dishes that are sure to please your taste buds.
Chicken Tikka Naanwich
A Naanwich is a type of sandwich that uses naan bread as the base. The filling for a Naanwich typically consists of dry or minimally saucy Indian food. This particular recipe for a cheesy and delicious chicken tikka naanwich features tikka kebabs as the primary filling ingredient.
Get the recipe: Chicken Tikk Naan Sandwich.
Tandoori Paneer Naanzza
Naanzza is a fusion dish that combines elements of Indian cuisine and Italian cuisine. It is essentially a pizza made using naan bread instead of the traditional pizza crust. The naan flatbread is topped with creamy tomato sauce, cheese, and various toppings. This fusion pizza is inspired by Indian flavors and features a naan bread base, topped with marinated paneer, vegetables, cheese, and a yogurt sauce.
Get the recipe: Paneer Naan Pizza.
To Conclude
To sum up, naan is a popular Indian bread that can complement a wide range of dishes. Whether you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian options, there is something for everyone to enjoy with naan. The bread pairs particularly well with curries, stews, and grilled meats, while also serving as an ideal accompaniment to dips and chutneys. With its soft texture and unique flavor, naan can enhance the taste of any meal and provide a satisfying dining experience. So next time you're looking for delicious and versatile bread to serve with your favorite dishes, naan is a perfect choice.
If you enjoyed this post, please don't forget to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
