If you are wondering about What to Serve With Naan Bread? You can stop looking because we have a comprehensive list of traditional and non-traditional dishes and ways to use naan bread.
Jump to:
What Is Traditionally Served With Naan Bread?
Traditionally, naan bread is served alongside Indian dishes like curries and stews like Balti chicken, beef madras, and lamb Rogan Josh because it is ideal for mopping up or scooping up the delicious gravies and sauces these dishes have.
It is also served alongside basmati rice or flavored rice dishes like jeera rice, biryani, or Bagara rice.
Also, small savory foods like samosas and condiments like chutneys, raita, achar, and other salads are served alongside these to complement the main dishes.
How Do You Eat Naan?
Naan is a soft flatbread that is often used like a spoon to scoop up and eat curries, stew, and other dishes.
Tear off small pieces of bread and hold them between your fingers in one hand and use it to pick up small bits of food, then pop the whole lot into your mouth.
Naan bread can also be used like a wrap and filled with small amounts of curry or meat and eaten like a sandwich.
How Do You Serve Store Bought Naan Bread?
If you don't have time to make your naan bread, store-bought is a great alternative for quick fast meals.
Store-bought naan bread is best when warmed up before serving you can:
- Create a small stack of naan bread, then wrap it in foil and warm them in the oven.
- You can individually warm naan in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning several times until it becomes warm.
- Place the naan under a grill or in a toaster to warm.
Other Ways To Use Naan
Naan is a very versatile bread and can be used to make many other wonderful dishes.
It can be used as a non-traditional pizza base, or for making French toast when naan is a day old, to avoid food waste.
Use it as a wrap for cold or hot fillings to make a delicious sandwich, or use it instead of pita bread to make quesadillas.
See below for many more ways to use this bread besides traditional Indian dishes.
Traditional Dishes
When it comes to the question of what to serve with naan bread, take a look at these traditional naan bread dinner ideas.
You will find meaty dishes and vegetarian options like paneer curries, lentil dahl and chicken Jalfrezi.
1. Chicken Tikka Masala
This classic Indian dish is made by marinating chicken pieces in spicy yogurt sauce and is then cooked in a thick and rich aromatic tomato-based sauce.
This thick and delicious sauce is made with chicken stock and coconut milk and flavored with spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and garam masala.
You will want to mop the plate clean with pieces of naan bread because it is that good.
Tip: If you want a curry with tender and juicy pieces of chicken use thigh fillets instead of chicken breast, which can be a little dry.
2. Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Indian butter chicken is also known as murgh makhani, a classic North Indian dish made with chicken cooked in a rich buttery tomato sauce.
The sauce is easy to make, but you will need a spice (or coffee) grinder or a pestle and mortar to grind whole spices to a fine powder.
Indian butter chicken is not overly spicy, making it a dish everyone can enjoy.
3. Sweet Potato Chickpea Coconut Curry
This delicious sweet potato chickpea coconut curry is a dish that is reminiscent of the classic chana masala but with a unique South Indian twist and the creaminess of coconut milk and irresistible sweet potatoes.
Shorten the cooking time by using canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas.
4. Monkfish Curry
If you love Indian curry, you are in for a real treat! This Monkfish curry is rich and flavorful, and the aromatic sauce is the perfect complement to the mild taste of this fish.
Serve it with rice or naan bread for a filling and satisfying meal.
Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting, monkfish curry is delicious and easy to make.
5. Malai Kofta
This Restaurant-Style Vegan Malai Kofta is the ultimate Indian comfort food! Crispy dumplings in a creamy, spiced curry that will excite your tastebuds!
Includes detailed instructions for frying and baking, metric and imperial measurements, a soy-free option, and an in-depth cooking video with lots of tips!
6. Chicken Korma
Chicken korma is a popular Indian curry known for its rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce.
This delicious slow-cooked curry sauce is made with yogurt and a selection of spices like cardamon, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a fragrant and aromatic sauce.
This curry is easy to make and can be ready in 45 minutes.
7. Vegan Palak Paneer
If you have a pack or two of frozen spinach in the freezer, turn it into a restaurant-worthy dish with extra firm tofu instead of paneer for a tasty vegan dish.
This dish is quick to make and perfect for when you are craving takeout but do not want to go out.
Pair with store-bought naan bread or freshly cooked basmati rice for a delicious and healthy meal.
Tip: If you are not vegan make it with a traditional Indian cottage cheese called Paneer, you can use store-bought or make paneer at home.
8. Paneer Butter Masala Curry
Paneer butter masala is a quick and easy Indian dish that will satisfy anyone's craving for rich and flavorful food.
Made the tender chunks of paneer cheese simmered in a smooth and creamy sauce flavored with Indian spices, butter, and cream, this dish can be ready in 25 minutes.
9. Lentil Dahl
Lentil dhal is a simple and mouth-watering dish that can be made with a few pantry staples and is nutritious and delicious.
This curry is made with tender and nutty red lentils that are cooked until they break down to become creamy and thick.
This comforting and hearty meal is perfect for easy and healthy weeknight dinners.
10. Chicken Jalfrezi
Quick and easy to make on a busy weeknight, chicken jalfrezi is the perfect dish for when you crave a satisfying and filling meal.
Serve it with fluffy rice and delicious naan bread. You can have this dinner ready in 40 minutes.
11. Lamb Bhuna
Make the most of inexpensive lamb shoulder and cook a delicious and flavorful lamb bhuna curry.
Whether you slow cook this dish in the oven, on the stovetop, or in a crockpot, you will have a curry with tender and juicy pieces of meat in an aromatic sauce.
Did you know - The word bhuna refers to the cooking method where the spices are browned and sauteed in oil to release their flavors and aroma, these spices are then simmered with meat until the meat becomes tender.
12. Mushroom Bhaji
This curry is delicious and flavorful!
Made with a mixture of aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, garam masala, garlic and ginger, and meaty mushrooms this dish can be served as a snack or a main dish when served with rice or Indian bread.
13. Lamb Vindaloo
If you have never had lamb vindaloo, you are in for a real treat. This delicious Goan recipe has a bold and spicy flavor.
Made with a paste of spices, dried chilies, and vinegar, you can make this restaurant-style curry at home.
14. Dahi Baingan
This traditional Indian dish is made with eggplant and yogurt. Eggplant is fried or toasted, then mixed with spicy and tangy yogurt sauce.
Dahi Baingan is served as a side dish and is known for its creamy and delicious taste. This dish is a staple in Indian cuisine and is a popular choice for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
15. Aloo Tamatar Sabzi
If you are after a comforting dish, you should try Aloo Tamatar Sabzi it is a spicy and tangy potato and tomato curry that will warm your soul.
It is quick and easy to make and can be made as a dry dish or a gravy-based curry and is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Other Things To Eat With Naan Bread
If you are looking for a non-traditional way to use naan bread, take a look at the section below, these naan bread ideas are a great source to come up with your unique ways to eat naan.
16. Mediterranean Chicken Thighs With Olives
This hearty Mediterranean chicken dish is served with rice or pasta, but it can also be used as a filling to make a naan wrap with some lettuce and slices or red onion.
You can even use this as a topping to make naan pizzas which is a great way to use up leftovers.
17. Slow Cooker Lamb In Red Wine Sauce
Serve naan bread as a side to this dish instead of rice because you can use the bread for dipping into the rich and delicious sauce this dish has.
18. Tinga De Pollo
Use naan bread as a wrap instead of soft flour tortillas for this traditional Mexican dish Tinga de pollo.
Pair it with a black bean and corn salsa, or serve it with lettuce, cheese, and sour cream, then tuck it inside naan a wrap or folded like a burrito for an easy fun meal.
19. (Carnitas)Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Tear naan into pieces and fold it like you would traditional soft taco shells, then fill with slow-cooked pulled pork and corn and black bean salsa.
20. Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Want a quick and easy game-day dish or something to feed a crowd make these slow-cooker Italian meatballs in tomato sauce.
Make them the day before and let them cool overnight, then slice the meatballs in half and arrange them in a single layer down the length of soft naan bread, spoon on some sauce, and add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
Tightly roll the naan to encase the filling, wrap in foil, and warm in a moderate oven until hot, and the cheese has melted.
21. Aloo Gobi Naanwich
Move over sandwich, there’s a new kid in town, the naanwhich! Use your favorite Indian fillings to make this hearty snack
22. Mediterranean Veggie Wraps
Mediterranean veggie naan wraps are loaded with flavor from a multitude of spices! With only five main ingredients, these wraps provide a quick, healthy, vegetarian dinner option!
23. Chicken And Green Chilie Naan Quesadilla
With minimal prep work involved, this twist on a classic dish is perfect for busy weeknights!
24. Naan Taco
Chicken tikka naan tacos are a fusion of Indian and Mexican cuisine.
Made with tender pieces of chicken tikka serve inside warm and soft naan bread, this dish is a creative and delicious blend of two cultures.
25. Naan Grilled Cheese
Next time you have naan bread, try this variation on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Make with cheese and other ingredients like vegetables, meats, and sauce, then grill the sandwich and enjoy a filling sandwich with a slightly chewy texture.
26. Savory Naan Sandwiches
Naan sandwiches can be filled with a variety of ingredients and these recipes give you three variations.
The link below will take you to a page with recipes for Italian ham naan panini, naan ham and cheese sandwich, and roasted chicken and arugula panini.
We hope that this post has answered your question about What to serve with naan bread?
As you can see from the ideas above, there are so many delicious options to choose from.
If you have any other ideas or favorite recipes, please let us know by leaving a comment in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you.
Recipe
What To Serve With Naan Bread
INGREDIENTS
Ideas for what to eat with naan bread:
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
- Sweet Potato Chickpea Coconut Curry
- Monkfish Curry
- Malai Kofta
- Chicken Korma
- Vegan Palak Paneer
- Paneer Butter Masala Curry
- Lentil Dahl
- Chicken Jalfrezi
- Lamb Bhuna
- Mushroom Bhaji
- Lamb Vindaloo
- Dahi Baingan
- Aloo Tamatar Sabzi
- Mediterranean Chicken Thighs With Olives
- Slow Cooker Lamb In Red Wine Sauce
- Tinga De Pollo
- (Carnitas)Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
- Aloo Gobi Naanwich
- Mediterranean Veggie Wraps
- Chicken And Green Chilie Naan Quesadilla
- Naan Taco
- Naan Grilled Cheese
- Savory Naan Sandwiches
INSTRUCTIONS
- Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Follow the recipe directions and cook up something delicious to serve with naan bread.
Notes
image above is for a pinterest pin and this paragraph is for a call to action
Join the Discussion