Our guide on the most Delicious Recipes to Eat with Naan for you to try at home.
Naan, a soft and fluffy Indian flatbread, is perfect for scooping up flavorful curries, dips, and spreads. Whether you prefer to pair it with spicy Indian dishes, creamy gravies, or use it as a base for creative fusion dishes, naan is versatile and can elevate any meal.
Enjoy these delicious recipes and take your naan experience to the next level! Whether you’re craving rich curries or smoky vegetarian options, naan is the perfect accompaniment for a variety of flavors and textures.
Here’s a guide to delicious recipes to eat with naan, complete with cooking tips and calorie information.
Delicious Recipes to Eat with Naan
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

What It Is: Butter chicken is a classic North Indian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s mildly spiced, making it perfect for pairing with naan to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cubed
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Recipe Instructions:
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in the cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan.
Tips:
Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor. Adjust the cream and butter levels based on your preference for richness.
Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving (1 cup).
2. Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cottage Cheese)
What It Is: Palak Paneer is a nutritious and delicious vegetarian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy spinach sauce flavored with garlic, ginger, and spices. It’s a fantastic vegetarian option that pairs perfectly with naan.
Ingredients:
2 cups spinach, blanched and pureed
1 cup paneer, cubed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp ghee or butter
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
Recipe Instructions:
Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are golden. Add the chopped tomato, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
Stir in the spinach puree and cook for 5 minutes. Add the paneer cubes and heavy cream. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the paneer is heated through. Serve hot with naan.
Tips:
Use fresh or frozen spinach depending on availability. For a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu and cream with coconut milk.
Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving.
3. Chicken Tikka Masala
What It Is: Chicken Tikka Masala features grilled chicken pieces cooked in a spiced, creamy tomato sauce. The smoky flavor of the chicken combined with the rich gravy makes it a perfect companion for naan.
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless chicken, cut into cubes
1 cup yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Recipe Instructions:
Marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder for 1 hour. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
In a large pan, heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the cream, add the grilled chicken, and cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with naan.
Tips:
Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.
Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving.
4. Chana Masala (Spiced Chickpea Curry)
What It Is: Chana Masala is a flavorful, protein-packed dish made with chickpeas simmered in a tomato-based sauce flavored with a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a popular vegetarian dish that pairs perfectly with naan.
Ingredients:
2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 cups chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp garam masala
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups water
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Recipe Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until golden.
Stir in ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture. Add the chickpeas and water, and simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan.
Tips:
Use dried chickpeas for a firmer texture, or canned chickpeas for convenience. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more garam masala.
Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving (1 cup).
5. Keema (Minced Meat Curry)
What It Is: Keema is a delicious, spiced minced meat curry made with ground lamb or beef, peas, and aromatic spices. It’s a versatile dish that’s delicious as a main course with naan or stuffed inside the naan for a filling meal.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground lamb or beef
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tomato, chopped
1 cup peas
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Recipe Instructions:
Heat oil in a pan, add onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until golden. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
Stir in the cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes and peas, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot with naan.
Tips:
Use lean ground meat to reduce the fat content. Add diced potatoes for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving.
6. Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant Curry)
What It Is: Baingan Bharta is a smoky, mashed eggplant curry made by roasting eggplants and cooking them with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a delicious vegetarian dish that pairs beautifully with naan.
Ingredients:
2 large eggplants
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tomato, chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Recipe Instructions:
Roast the eggplants over an open flame until charred and soft. Let cool, then peel and mash. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Add onions, garlic, and cook until soft.
Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook until the oil separates. Add the mashed eggplant and cook for 10 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with naan.
Tips:
For a smokier flavor, roast the eggplant over a gas flame or grill. Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or fresh green chilies.
Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving.
7. Shahi Paneer
What It Is: Shahi Paneer is a creamy, nut-based curry featuring paneer cubes cooked in a rich sauce made with cashews, cream, and aromatic spices. It’s luxurious and indulgent, making it a perfect partner for naan.
Ingredients:
1 cup paneer, cubed
1/4 cup cashews, soaked
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp ghee or butter
Salt to taste
Recipe Instructions:
Blend the soaked cashews with a little water to make a smooth paste. Heat ghee in a pan, add onions, garlic, and ginger, and cook until golden. Stir in the tomatoes, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
Add the cashew paste and cream, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the paneer cubes and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve hot with naan.
Tips:
Use fresh paneer for the best texture. Garnish with a few extra cashews and fresh cream for a luxurious presentation.
Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.