Bullet Naan
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to the warmth and satisfaction of freshly baked Bullet Naan. I remember the first time I tried my hand at making this delightful Indian flatbread; the aroma of the baking naan wafting through my kitchen reminded me of the bustling markets in India, where delicious food is always just around the corner. The fluffy texture and the subtle spiciness of the jalapeños make this bread an absolute must-try. It’s perfect for scooping up curries or just enjoying with a spread of butter. Gathering with friends and family around a table filled with warm Bullet Naan is an experience that goes beyond just food; it’s about creating unforgettable memories.
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
30 mins
5 mins
Medium
180 kcal
4 g
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan
5 g
Skillet, Frying Pan, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl
Why This Bullet Naan Is a Winner
Authenticity
The Bullet Naan is a traditional dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine right into your home. Each bite takes you on a journey, filled with spices and warmth.
Customizable Heat
What I love most about this recipe is how you can adjust the heat according to your taste. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, adding more or fewer jalapeños allows you to make it your own!
Perfect Texture
When baked correctly, Bullet Naan has a soft and pillowy texture that is incredibly satisfying to tear apart and enjoy. The kneading and resting of the dough are key to achieving this fluffy result.
Quick to Prepare
This recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner. In less than an hour, you can have fresh naan on your table!
Versatile Pairing
Whether you serve it with a rich curry, grilled vegetables, or as a standalone snack, Bullet Naan works beautifully with a variety of dishes and occasions.
What’s In This Bullet Naan

The ingredients for Bullet Naan come together to create a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in enhancing the final product. The use of all-purpose flour gives the naan its light, fluffy texture, while warm water and yeast help it rise perfectly. The addition of jalapeños not only adds a kick but also a beautiful color to the bread. Fresh cilantro elevates the dish to a whole new level of freshness. Together, these ingredients create a naan that is not only delicious but also a joy to make!
- ¾ cup warm water: This helps activate the yeast, ensuring a good rise for the naan.
- 1 teaspoon dried instant yeast: The key ingredient that makes the naan fluffy.
- 1½ to 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of the naan, giving it its structure.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the naan.
- ¼ teaspoon sugar: A little sweetness that helps the yeast activate.
- 3 tablespoons oil (canola/vegetable/sunflower): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 2-3 jalapeños or green chilies: For a spicy kick, enhancing the naan’s flavor profile.
- ¼ cup butter (melted): For brushing over the naan, adding a lovely richness.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro/coriander leaves: A fresh garnish to elevate the naan.
How to Cook Bullet Naan

Cooking Bullet Naan is as rewarding as it is simple! This method combines mixing, kneading, and baking to deliver that perfect texture. With just a few steps, you’ll have fresh naan that rivals what you’d find in a restaurant. Let’s get started!
- Set your stand mixer up with a dough hook. Measure ¾ cup of warm water into the bowl of your stand mixer. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried instant yeast over the water and leave it for about five minutes. This will ensure the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.
- After five minutes, add 1½ to 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon sugar, and 3 tablespoons of your chosen oil into the bowl. Mix on low speed for about ten minutes until you have an elastic dough that is slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
- Cover the bowl with cling film and let the dough rise for about twenty minutes. You want it to double in size, which is vital for a fluffy naan.
- Once risen, empty the dough onto a floured board and knead for about fifteen minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, place it back in the bowl, cover it with cling film, and let it rest for another twenty minutes.
- While the dough is resting, slice 2-3 jalapeños into rings and set them aside. These will add a delightful spiciness to your naan.
- After the resting period, punch the dough down to release the air and divide it into three equal balls. Roll each ball out with a rolling pin into an oval, teardrop, or circle shape, ensuring it’s about ½ inch thick.
- Press the jalapeño slices gently into the top of the naan and sprinkle with ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro. This not only looks beautiful but also enhances the flavor.
- Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over high heat for at least five minutes without any oil or butter. Once it’s searingly hot, place your naan with the jalapeño side down onto the skillet. Cook for about one to two minutes, and watch as the naan puffs up and chars lightly.
- Flip the naan and cook for another one to two minutes. You want to see some golden brown spots on both sides.
- Remove the naan to a plate and brush it generously with ¼ cup of melted butter. This will give it a rich finish. Cover with foil to keep warm while you prepare the remaining breads. Scatter with extra cilantro before serving for a fresh touch.
Things Worth Knowing
- Proper Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth to ensure a great texture. It helps develop gluten, which gives the naan its structure.
- Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for achieving that fluffy rise. Don’t rush this step!
- Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the naan. This helps it puff up nicely and achieve that charred flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover naan in an airtight container. It can last for a couple of days at room temperature.
Tips and Variations

Making Bullet Naan is an enjoyable experience, and with a few tips, you can make it even better! Here are some insights to enhance your naan-making journey.
- Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They can last up to two days at room temperature.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked naan. Just wrap each piece in foil and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
- Pairing: Bullet Naan pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes such as curries, stews, and even soups!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other spices like garlic or herbs into the dough for different flavor profiles.
- Thickness matters: Adjust the thickness of the naan based on your preference. Thicker naan will be chewier, while thinner ones will be crispier.
What to Serve With Bullet Naan
Serving Bullet Naan is an opportunity to get creative and make your meal truly special. Here are some fantastic ideas for pairings:
- Curries: Serve with creamy butter chicken or spicy chickpea curry for a comforting meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled veggies as a light and flavorful option.
- Soups: Serve alongside lentil or vegetable soup for a hearty dish.
- Salads: Use naan to scoop up fresh salads loaded with greens and tangy dressings.
- Occasions: Perfect for gatherings, dinner parties, or casual family meals, Bullet Naan fits any occasion.
- Storage Tips: If you’re making a large batch, keep some naan warm in a low oven while you prepare the rest!
FAQ
Conclusion
Making Bullet Naan at home is not just about the deliciousness; it’s about the experience of creating something special. This flatbread offers a unique blend of flavors that can elevate any meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll be thrilled with the soft texture and the delightful kick from the jalapeños. Gather your loved ones, and enjoy the magic of freshly made naan together!

Bullet Naan
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon dried instant yeast
- 1½ to 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil (canola/vegetable/sunflower)
- 2-3 jalapeños or green chilies
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Set your stand mixer up with a dough hook. Measure the warm water into the bowl and sprinkle over the dried instant yeast. Leave for 5 minutes.
- Add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, sugar, and oil to the bowl. Mix on low for 10 minutes until you have an elastic dough.
- Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it to rise for 20 minutes.
- Empty the dough on a floured board and knead for 15 minutes. Place in a bowl, cover with cling wrap, and leave for 20 minutes.
- Slice the jalapeños into rings and set to one side.
- Once the dough has sat for 20 minutes, punch it back down and divide it into three roughly equal balls.
- Use your rolling pin to lightly roll the naan into an oval shape, about ½ inch thick.
- Push the slices of jalapeños into the top of the naan and sprinkle with the chopped fresh cilantro.
- Put a heavy skillet over high heat and allow it to get searingly hot. Place the dough, jalapeños side down, onto the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Flip the bread and cook for a further 1-2 minutes. Remove to a plate and brush with the butter.
Notes
- Tip 1: Not all cup measures are created equal. Depending on how you fill your cup, the quantity of flour will vary quite significantly!
- Tip 2: You can use any chili in this recipe. Green is more traditional, but use what you have or enjoy.
- Tip 3: Butter or ghee is traditional here, but if you want to make vegan naan bread, substitute it with your favorite vegan 'butter' or use a little coconut oil.
- Tip 4: If you hate cilantro, just leave it off the finished naan breads.


