Badami Naan
A rich and nutty Mughlai flatbread, this naan is made with ground almonds in the dough and topped with crunchy almond slivers. It's soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for scooping up creamy curries like korma or dal makhani.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Activate the Yeast (10 minutes)
- b.In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast.
- c.Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This confirms the yeast is active.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare and Knead the Dough (10 minutes)
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, salt, and cardamom powder (if using).
- c.Create a well in the center. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture, whisked yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of melted ghee.
- d.Combine with a spatula or your hands to form a shaggy dough.
- e.Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is soft, smooth, and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Proof the Dough (90 minutes)
- b.Lightly grease the mixing bowl with a little ghee or oil.
- c.Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat the surface.
- d.Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- e.Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape the Naan (10 minutes)
- b.Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- c.Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
- d.On a lightly floured surface, take one ball and roll it into a teardrop or oval shape, about 1/4-inch thick.
- e.Sprinkle some sliced almonds over the top and gently press them into the dough with a rolling pin.
- f.Flip the naan over and brush the plain side generously with water. This will help it stick to the skillet.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook the Naan (10 minutes)
- b.Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed tawa over medium-high heat. It should be very hot before you start.
- c.Carefully place the naan, water-side down, onto the hot skillet. It should stick immediately.
- d.Cook for 1-2 minutes, until large bubbles form on the surface.
- e.Using tongs, flip the naan and cook the almond-topped side for another 1-2 minutes until golden-brown spots appear.
- f.For a tandoor-like char, you can carefully hold the naan over an open gas flame for 10-15 seconds, moving it constantly to avoid burning.
- g.Remove the naan from the heat and immediately brush with the remaining melted ghee.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Repeat the shaping and cooking process for the remaining dough balls.
- c.Serve the hot Badami Naan immediately with your favorite curry or dal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your milk is warm (around 110°F/43°C), not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
- 2A well-kneaded dough is key. Knead until it passes the 'windowpane test' – a small piece can be stretched thin enough to see light through it without tearing.
- 3A very hot cast-iron skillet is crucial for getting the signature bubbles and soft texture of a good naan.
- 4Don't skip brushing water on one side of the naan. It creates steam and helps the naan stick to the pan, mimicking a tandoor oven.
- 5Store leftover naan wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat on a skillet before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour (atta) for a fiber-rich, denser naan. You may need a little extra liquid.
Savory TwistSavory Twist
Omit the sugar and cardamom powder. Add 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro to the dough for a savory garlic-almond naan.
Nut VariationNut Variation
Substitute the almonds with finely chopped pistachios or cashews for a different nutty flavor and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Healthy Fats
Almonds and ghee provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and provide sustained energy.
Supports Gut Health
The use of yogurt introduces probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion.
Rich in Minerals
Almonds are a good source of essential minerals like magnesium and manganese, which play important roles in bone health, metabolism, and nerve function.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Badami Naan contains approximately 460 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size.