Sourdough Discard Naan Recipe
Introduction
This sourdough discard naan recipe is a delicious way to use up leftover starter while creating soft, fluffy flatbreads. Ready in just 25 minutes, these naans make a perfect side for curries or a tasty snack on their own.

Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste)
- ½ cup milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup plain yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, yogurt, and milk until smooth and creamy with a slightly thick texture.
- Step 2: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms that pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
- Step 3: On a floured surface, gently knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, soft, and pliable.
- Step 4: Cut the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Place them on a floured surface prepared for rolling.
- Step 5: Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into an even ¼-inch thick oval to promote puffing during cooking.
- Step 6: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready, indicated by a gentle sizzle when placing the naan.
- Step 7: Place one naan in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on top. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown with slight char.
- Step 8: Remove naan from heat and brush immediately with melted butter for added flavor and shine.
Tips & Variations
- For dairy-free naan, substitute milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt.
- Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor but may result in a denser naan; a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat works well.
- Brush with garlic butter or sprinkle with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Storage
Store cooked naan in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped naan in a resealable bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a skillet or oven until soft and heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular sourdough starter instead of discard?
It’s best to use sourdough discard as it has a milder flavor and is less active, which prevents over-fermentation. Using regular starter may change the texture and taste.
Can I make this naan vegan?
Yes, simply replace the milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives such as soy or almond milk and coconut or soy yogurt, and use vegan butter for brushing.
PrintSourdough Discard Naan Recipe
This Sourdough Discard Naan recipe is a quick and easy way to transform leftover sourdough starter into soft, fluffy Indian-style flatbreads. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and milk, these naans are cooked on the stovetop for a perfect golden char and brushed with melted butter for extra richness. Ideal for serving alongside curries, dips, or enjoying on their own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard
- ½ cup milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup plain yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Finishing
- Melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, yogurt, and milk until smooth and creamy with a slightly thick texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms that pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, gently knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, soft, and pliable.
- Divide and Shape: Cut the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Place them on a floured surface prepared for rolling.
- Roll Out the Naan: Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into an even ¼-inch thick oval to promote puffing during cooking.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready, indicated by a gentle sizzle when placing the naan.
- Cook Naan: Place one naan in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on top. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown with slight char.
- Finish and Serve: Remove naan from heat and brush immediately with melted butter for added flavor and shine.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Use plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurt to make the recipe vegan.
- Brush with melted ghee or oil as an alternative to butter if desired.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before cooking to get proper bubbles and char on the naan.
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste alongside curries or dips.
Keywords: sourdough discard naan, naan bread, Indian flatbread, stovetop naan, sourdough recipe, easy naan, homemade naan

