If you’re looking for a delicious bread that’s soft, chewy, and full of flavor, this simple sourdough discard naan bread recipe is the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create homemade naan that rivals what you’d find in Indian restaurants. Best of all, this is an easy recipe that comes together in minimal effort and is a great way to use up leftover sourdough discard.

Whether you’re a sourdough beginner or an experienced baker with an active sourdough starter, this naan is a versatile flatbread that can be used for dipping, wrapping, or even as a base for flatbread pizza.

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What is Sourdough Discard?

If you’re new to baking with sourdough, you might be wondering what sourdough discard actually is. When you keep an active sourdough starter, you have to feed it regularly with flour and water. Each time you feed it, you remove a portion of the unfed sourdough starter to keep the balance right—that removed portion is called the discard.

Instead of throwing it away, you can use discard to make all kinds of delicious bread recipes. Since it’s not bubbly or strong enough to make your dough rise on its own, recipes like this sourdough discard naan rely on a leavening agent such as baking powder to help with lift. The discard still adds a wonderful tangy flavor and creates that chewy texture you expect from sourdough flatbreads.

Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Discard Naan Bread

Great way to use unfed sourdough starter instead of throwing it away.
No need for a tandoor oven—you can cook naan right on a hot skillet or cast iron skillet.
Perfect for pairing with Indian cuisine, garlic butter, or even turning into sourdough pita bread.
With room temperature ingredients and a quick dough rest, you’ll have warm, delicious bread in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients Needed for Sourdough Discard Naan Bread

140 grams bread flour or purpose flour (you can also mix in whole wheat flour)
100 grams sourdough discard (unfed sourdough starter)
½ tsp baking powder (the leavening agent in this recipe)
½ tsp salt
70 grams whole milk greek yogurt
1 tbsp water or warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
Melted butter or coconut oil for cooking

These dough ingredients are measured by weight measurements for best results.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Naan Bread

Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients with sourdough discard, greek yogurt, olive oil, and water. Stir until you have a shaggy dough. If using the bowl of a stand mixer, you can use a dough hook on low speed until the sides of the bowl are mostly clean. Otherwise, knead by hand on a lightly floured surface until a soft dough ball forms.

Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap, a kitchen towel, or a damp cloth. Let the dough rest in a warm place while you heat your cast iron skillet or frying pan.

Shape the Naan

Divide the dough into equal pieces (about 6). Roll each into dough balls. Using a rolling pin, flatten each first ball into a thin disc, about ¼ inch thick. Place them on a clean work surface or cover with a tea towel to prevent drying.

sourdough discard naan bread dough rolled into 6 discs on a white plate

Cook the Naan

Melt butter or coconut oil in your hot pan over medium-high heat. Place one disc onto the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the first side is bubbly with brown spots. Flip and cook the second side for another 1-2 minutes. Adjust cooking time as needed based on heat. For best results, keep your pan at medium heat to high temperature, avoiding burning.

Repeat with remaining dough. Place cooked naan on a cooling rack.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious sourdough naan is versatile and can be enjoyed many ways:

Brush with garlic butter for a flavorful twist.
Serve alongside soups, curries, or traditional naan bread dishes.
Use as a base for pizza dough or flatbread pizza.
Pair with indian cuisine for an authentic feel, even without a tandoor oven.

Storage Tips

For longer storage, keep naan in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For next time, you can freeze cooked naan wrapped in plastic wrap for up to a month. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven for a lovely sourdough naan with chewy texture.

Try More of Our Sourdough Discard Recipes

If you’re looking for more creative ways to use your sourdough discard, you’ll love these recipes:

Sourdough Discard Mac and Cheese – a creamy, cheesy comfort food made even better with sourdough flavor.
Sourdough Discard Raspberry Pop Tarts– a fun, homemade twist on a childhood favorite.
Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers – crispy, savory, and perfect for snacking.
Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Spice Cookies – a seasonal treat with warm spices and soft texture.

Each recipe uses simple ingredients and helps you turn unfed sourdough starter into something delicious. Bookmark this sourdough naan recipe for next time, and don’t forget to explore more sourdough beginner-friendly ideas on our blog.

Conclusion

This simple sourdough discard naan bread recipe is proof that you don’t need a tandoor oven or complicated steps to make delicious bread at home. With just simple ingredients like greek yogurt, olive oil, and sourdough discard, you can create lovely sourdough naan with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy it warm from a cast iron skillet, brushed with garlic butter, or as the base for a flatbread pizza, this is one of the best things you can do with leftover starter. Next time you’re looking for a great way to turn sticky dough into soft naan, pull out your rolling pin, heat up a hot skillet, and enjoy homemade naan in just minutes.