How to Make Tandoori Naan at Home Without a Traditional Tandoor

As an essential part of Indian cuisine, tandoori naans appear soft and fluffy but develop slight charing during cooking. And they are paired with curries, dal, and kebabs.

While traditional production requires a clay tandoor to make naan, the food obtains smoky flavour with crisp edges. 

But you can prepare restaurant-quality naan in your kitchen without a traditional tandoor.

An electric tandoor provides an ideal substitute for clay tandoors, creating authentic naan results because of their high heat capability. 

This guide provides complete information regarding the home execution of homemade naan with electric tandoors and traditional easy cooking techniques.

Why Make Tandoori Naan at Home?

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There are lots of reasons to make Tandoori Naan at home. We have mentioned some of the reasons below:

• You get a superior taste in homemade naan because you monitor both the ingredients and their freshness.
• An electric tandoor enhances the experience, but homemade naan can be used with ordinary stove cooking equipment.
• The recipe allows individuals to prepare different types of naan, including garlic, butter, and stuffed naan.
• You get healthier food with no preservatives or artificial additives, just fresh and simple ingredients.

Ingredients for Tandoori Naan

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For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• ½ cup yogurt (curd)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
• ½ cup lukewarm milk or water

For Topping (Optional):

• Melted butter or ghee (for brushing)
• Chopped garlic (for garlic naan)
• Fresh coriander leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the yogurt, oil, and lukewarm milk.
3. Knead the dough: Mix everything well and start kneading. The dough should be soft and smooth. Add a little more milk if it feels dry. 
4. Rest the dough: Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 to 2 hours. This helps in fermentation and makes the naan soft and fluffy.

Pro tip: Use an atta/dough kneader for the best results

Step 2: Roll the Naan

1. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
2. Lightly flour your surface and roll out each dough ball into an oval or round shape. Do not roll it too thin.
3. If making garlic naan, sprinkle chopped garlic and fresh coriander over the rolled dough. Gently press so they stick to the surface.

Step 3: Make Naan in an Electric Tandoor

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1. Preheat the tandoor: Turn on the electric tandoor and let it heat for 5-7 minutes. The high temperature mimics the cooking environment of a traditional tandoor.
2. Cook the naan: Place the naan on the tandoor tray, close the lid, and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. Bubbles will start to form, and the naan will puff up.
3. Check for doneness: Once golden brown spots appear, flip the naan if necessary and cook for another minute.
4. Brush with butter: Remove the naan from the tandoor and brush it with melted butter or ghee for extra flavour.

Variations of Tandoori Naan

Once you have mastered the basic naan, try these delicious variations:

• Garlic Naan: Sprinkle finely chopped garlic and fresh coriander before cooking.
• Cheese Naan: Stuff grated cheese inside the dough before rolling it out.
• Butter Naan: Brush extra butter after cooking for a rich, creamy taste.
• Spicy Naan: Add chilli flakes and herbs to the dough for an extra kick.

Why Use an Electric Tandoor for Naan?

Credits: Glen India

Most people ask themselves if an electric tandoor brings sufficient value for their investment. An electric tandoor offers excellent benefits  for people who bake traditional Indian breads (naan, kulcha, and paratha) in their home kitchens. Using an electric tandoor allows you to enjoy authentic tandoori flavour through a convenient no-bulk clay tandoor experience.

Benefits of Using an Electric Tandoor

• Replicates Tandoori Cooking: An electric tandoor generates high heat, similar to a clay tandoor, giving the naan a perfect char and soft texture.
• Easy to Use: No complex setup is required. Simply plug in the tandoor, preheat it, and start cooking.
• Cooks Faster: The high temperature ensures that naan is ready in just a few minutes, making it perfect for quick meals.
• Multipurpose: Apart from naan, you can use an electric tandoor for baking, grilling, and preparing dishes like kebabs, tikkas, and even pizza.
• Even Cooking: Unlike a stovetop, an electric tandoor ensures even heat distribution, preventing raw or unevenly cooked naan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Dough Resting Time: Resting the dough for at least an hour is crucial for achieving a soft and airy texture.
• Rolling Too Thin: A thicker naan results in a fluffier bite, while a very thin naan may become too crispy.
• Cooking on Low Heat: High heat is necessary to achieve the signature tandoori texture and charred spots.
• Not Brushing with Butter: Brushing naan with melted butter or ghee after cooking enhances its flavour and keeps it moist.

An electric tandoor simplifies the process, making it an excellent investment for home-cooked tandoori delights.

Final Thoughts

The process of preparing tandoori naan at home becomes easy when you have an electric tandoor at your disposal. You can now make restaurant-quality naan at home in any flavour, including plain, garlic or butter, through your kitchen equipment.

The purchase of an electric tandoor is beneficial for anyone who enjoys cooking both Indian breads and grilled dishes. This system allows for the convenient preparation of authentic tastes throughout your home kitchens.

Have you ever sought an electric tandoor to purchase? Experience the tandoori cooking magic by purchasing the Glen India's electric tandoor collection from today.