Peshwari Naan

Peshwari Naan Recipe: Sweet Coconut Filling, 3 Sweetness Levels & Best Curry Pairings

Peshwari naan is the naan that surprises people. You order it by accident at an Indian restaurant, expecting something savoury and what arrives is fragrant, subtly sweet, and unlike anything else on the bread basket. The soft naan dough wraps around a filling of desiccated coconut, ground almonds, and dried fruit, creating a bread that bridges the gap between a side dish and a dessert without fully being either.

The sweet-savoury tension is the whole point. Peshwari naan is designed to be eaten alongside a spiced, aromatic curry the sweetness of the filling provides contrast to the heat and complexity of the sauce. Eaten alone, it's pleasant but one-dimensional. Eaten with the right curry, it's one of the most satisfying pairings in South Asian cuisine.

This guide gives you everything: the full yeast recipe, a complete breakdown of the filling at three sweetness levels (so you can calibrate exactly how sweet you want it), the stovetop and oven methods, five filling variations, a detailed pairing guide explaining the logic of which curries work and which don't, storage tips, and  for restaurants and cafés in Canada, a practical section on serving Peshwari naan as a seasonal or special-occasion menu item.

What Is Peshwari Naan?

What Is Peshwari Naan

Peshwari naan (also spelled Peshawari naan) is a leavened flatbread filled with a sweet mixture of desiccated coconut, ground almonds, and dried fruit — typically sultanas or raisins — then cooked on a tawa or in a tandoor and finished with a brush of melted butter or ghee. It takes its name from the city of Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan, historically a Silk Road trading hub known for its rich culinary traditions and its use of dried fruits and nuts in savoury dishes.

Origin: Peshawar or British Indian Restaurants?

There's an honest debate in food history circles about how much today's restaurant-style Peshwari naan actually reflects traditional Peshawari cuisine. The original naan from the Peshawar region was a simpler, often unsweetened bread — sometimes enriched with milk or ghee, sometimes scattered with sesame seeds, but not typically stuffed with a sweet coconut and sultana filling as we know it today.

The sweet-filled version most people recognize appears to have been significantly shaped — if not largely created — by British Indian Restaurant (BIR) culture in the UK from the 1970s onward, where restaurant chefs adapted regional recipes for Western palates and created 'menu naan' variations that became standards. The name 'Peshwari' was applied to a sweet stuffed naan in this context, drawing on the city's association with trade, spices, and dried fruits.

Whether or not this is strictly 'authentic' is a secondary question. What matters culinarily is that the concept is excellent: a slightly sweet naan that pairs brilliantly with spiced meat curries and rich sauces. By whatever path it arrived, it's a genuinely delicious and well-established part of Indian restaurant menus worldwide.

Peshwari Naan vs Other Stuffed Naans

Naan Type

Filling

Flavor Profile

Best With

Peshwari Naan

Coconut, almond, sultanas, (optional spices)

Sweet, nutty, fragrant

Spicy, heat-forward curries for contrast

Cheese Naan

Mozzarella or cheddar — savory

Rich, savory, buttery

Any curry; especially mild creamy sauces

Keema Naan

Spiced ground meat

Meaty, spiced, savory

Standalone or raita; complete meal

Paneer Naan

Crumbled fresh paneer + spices

Mild, firm, slightly tangy

Dal, spinach-based curries

Garlic Naan

Garlic butter on surface (not stuffed)

Savory, aromatic

Versatile — any Indian meal

Aloo (Potato) Naan

Spiced mashed potato

Earthy, mild, comforting

Light curries, raita, chutneys

The key distinction: Peshwari naan is the only naan in the family with a sweet filling — everything else is savoury. This makes it the ideal contrast piece on a shared table where multiple naans are ordered. It's also uniquely suited for special occasions and gifting contexts (Eid, Diwali, holiday menus) where a sweeter, more indulgent bread makes sense.

The Peshwari Filling: Ingredients and the Sweetness Level System

The filling is where Peshwari naan lives or dies. Too sweet and it overwhelms the curry pairing. Not sweet enough and the filling feels bland. Most recipes give you one filling ratio without explaining the sweetness dial — here's how to think about it intentionally.

Core Filling Ingredients

Ingredient

Role

Substitution Options

Desiccated coconut (unsweetened)

Primary filling body; dry, fibrous, holds filling together

Sweetened coconut flakes work but reduce added sugar accordingly

Ground almonds (almond flour)

Richness, mild nutty flavor, binds filling into paste

Ground cashews or ground pistachios for variation

Sultanas or golden raisins

Sweetness, chewiness, moisture pockets

Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or omit entirely for nut-only version

Sugar (caster or icing)

Direct sweetness control

Honey, golden syrup — adjust quantity; adds slight moisture

Unsalted butter (softened)

Binds filling, adds richness, helps paste consistency

Ghee (more authentic), coconut oil (dairy-free)

Ground cardamom

Floral, aromatic — the spice that distinguishes this from a granola filling

Optional but strongly recommended; transforms flavor

Ground cinnamon

Warmth, depth

Optional; start with a pinch — can overpower

Cream or condensed milk (some recipes)

Extra moisture and creaminess for paste consistency

Water if no dairy; 1–2 tsp warm water works fine

The 3 Sweetness Levels — Choose Your Version

This is the key decision the recipe doesn't explain clearly enough. Here's how to build the filling at three distinct sweetness tiers:

Level

Sugar

Sultanas

Coconut

Added Spices

Result

Best For

Level 1 — Mild Sweet

1 tsp icing sugar

None or 1 tbsp

3 tbsp desiccated

Cardamom only (¼ tsp)

Subtle, nutty, barely sweet — savory-forward

Pairing with mild curries; those new to Peshwari

Level 2 — Classic (recommended)

1 tbsp icing sugar

2 tbsp sultanas

4 tbsp desiccated

Cardamom ¼ tsp + pinch cinnamon

Balanced — distinct sweetness, not dessert-level

Restaurant-style; standard home recipe

Level 3 — Full Sweet

2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp honey

3 tbsp sultanas

5 tbsp desiccated

Cardamom ½ tsp + cinnamon + rose water (½ tsp)

Noticeably sweet — almost dessert

Special occasions; Eid/Diwali; eaten as sweet bread

Recommended for first-timers: Level 2 (Classic) is the benchmark — it's what 'restaurant Peshwari naan' tastes like to most people who grew up ordering it. The cardamom and cinnamon are essential; don't skip them. If you're serving alongside a very spicy curry, consider dropping slightly toward Level 1 so the flavors don't compete. If serving as a standalone or for a sweet-forward occasion, move toward Level 3.

Standard Filling Recipe (Level 2 — Classic, Makes 8 Naans)

•       Desiccated coconut (unsweetened): 4 tbsp (32g)

•       Ground almonds: 4 tbsp (36g)

•       Sultanas: 2 tbsp (24g)

•       Icing sugar: 1 tbsp (8g)

•       Unsalted butter, softened: 1 tbsp (14g)

•       Ground cardamom: ¼ tsp

•       Ground cinnamon: small pinch

•       Double cream or warm water: 1–2 tsp — add gradually for paste consistency

Method: Combine all dry ingredients. Add softened butter and cream/water. Mix vigorously with a fork — what starts as a crumbly mixture gradually comes together into a thick, sticky paste that holds its shape when pressed. This takes 2–3 minutes of mixing. If it's too dry, add cream ½ tsp at a time. If too wet and sticky, add a little more ground almond or coconut.

Filling texture test: Pinch a small amount and press it together — it should hold a shape without crumbling and feel like very firm marzipan. Too crumbly means it will be difficult to spread and will fall out during rolling. Too wet means it will escape at the sides during cooking. Aim for firm, pliable paste.

Dough Ingredients (Makes 8 Naans)

Ingredient

Amount

Role

Note

All-purpose flour

2½ cups (320g)

Structure and chew

Self-raising flour (from some recipes) gives a slightly fluffier result — can substitute

Active dry yeast (or instant)

2¼ tsp (1 packet)

Leavening

Instant: add directly to flour. Active dry: activate in warm water first

Warm water (38–43°C)

¾ cup

Hydration and yeast activation

Wrist-warm, not hot

Sugar

1 tsp

Feeds yeast, slight sweetness in dough

This is separate from filling sugar

Full-fat plain yogurt

¼ cup

Tenderness and tang

Do not use Greek yogurt — too thick

Whole milk

2 tbsp

Softness

Any milk works

Neutral oil

2 tbsp

Prevents dryness, aids stretch

Or melted ghee for richer flavor

Salt

1 tsp

Flavor, yeast regulation

Counterbalances the sweet filling — do not reduce

Baking powder

½ tsp

Extra lift alongside yeast

Do not skip

Canadian grocery note: All dough ingredients are available at any Canadian supermarket. For desiccated coconut (unsweetened, not shredded sweetened), check the baking aisle at Bulk Barn, Bob's Red Mill brand (Loblaws, Sobeys), or Indian and South Asian grocery stores. Unsweetened is important — sweetened coconut flakes will push the filling into Level 3 sweetness whether you want it or not.

How to Make Peshwari Naan: Step-by-Step

How to Make Peshwari Naan

Step 1 — Activate the Yeast

  • Combine warm water (38–43°C), sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Stir briefly.
  • Rest 5–10 minutes until foamy. If no foam after 10 minutes: discard, start over. Dead yeast produces flat, dense naan.

Step 2 — Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Add yogurt, milk, oil, and the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead 8–10 minutes by hand (or 4 minutes with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky — not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
  4. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film or a damp towel, rest 1–1.5 hours until roughly doubled.

Step 3 — Prepare the Filling

  1. While dough rises, combine all filling ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Mix vigorously with a fork for 2–3 minutes until it forms a thick, cohesive paste. See texture test above.
  3. Divide filling into 8 equal portions. Press each into a small flat disc approximately 5cm wide — this makes stuffing faster and more even than working with a loose pile.

Step 4 — Stuff and Seal

  1. Punch down risen dough. Divide into 8 equal pieces (~90g each).
  2. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Rest 5 minutes covered — this relaxes gluten and prevents tearing during rolling.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, flatten a dough ball into a disc approximately 12–13cm (5 inches) across.
  4. Place one filling portion in the center, leaving a clear 2.5cm (1 inch) border all around.
  5. Pull the edges up around the filling and pinch firmly to seal completely at the top — no gaps.
  6. Place seam-side DOWN. Gently flatten with your palm.
  7. Using a rolling pin, roll out to approximately 18–20cm (7–8 inch) oval or teardrop shape. Roll from the center outward with light, even pressure.

Why Peshwari is easier to seal than keema or cheese naan: The dry filling paste doesn't release moisture into the dough, and it doesn't leak dramatically the way cheese or meat does. If a small amount of filling shows at the edge after rolling, it's not a disaster — it will caramelize slightly during cooking. Just avoid large gaps where the filling is fully exposed.

Step 5a — Stovetop Method (Cast Iron Skillet)

  1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high for 3–4 minutes until very hot and slightly smoking.
  2. Place naan seam-side down. Cook 2–2.5 minutes until large bubbles form on top and bottom has golden-brown char marks.
  3. Flip and cook second side 1.5–2 minutes.
  4. Remove and brush immediately with melted butter or ghee.
  5. Cover with a clean kitchen towel while you cook the rest — steam keeps them soft.

Step 5b — Oven Method

  1. Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F) with a baking stone or upside-down heavy baking sheet inside for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Place stuffed naan directly on the hot stone/sheet.
  3. Bake 6–8 minutes until puffed and golden. Oven baking gives a more even result without char marks — brush with butter on exit.
  4. For char spots on top, switch to broil for 60–90 seconds after baking — watch carefully.

Step 6 — The Finishing Glaze (Optional)

A honey-butter glaze is a classic restaurant-style finish that adds shine, fragrance, and an extra sweetness layer. It's optional — plain melted butter is also excellent.

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp flaked almonds (scattered on top while butter is still wet)
  • 1 tbsp sultanas (optional, scattered on top)

Mix butter and honey. Brush generously on hot naan. Scatter almonds and sultanas. The honey darkens slightly and creates a lacquered finish.

5 Peshwari Naan Filling Variations

Variation 1: Classic (No Sultanas)

For those who don't enjoy the texture of sultanas — or who want a cleaner, purely nutty filling — omit the sultanas entirely and increase the ground almonds by 1 tablespoon. The result is drier and more marzipan-like, with a purer almond-coconut flavor. Many people actually prefer this version, finding the sultanas distracting or too sweet in their own right.

Variation 2: Mixed Nut Peshwari

Replace 2 tablespoons of ground almond with a mixture of finely crushed pistachios and cashews. The color of the filling becomes greener from the pistachios, and the flavor is more complex and slightly less sweet. Use unsalted nuts only. This works particularly well at Level 3 sweetness with the rose water — the pistachio-rose combination is classic in South Asian sweets and translates beautifully into naan.

Variation 3: Saffron and Rose Water Peshwari (Special Occasion)

Pinch of saffron threads dissolved in 1 tsp warm milk, plus ½ tsp rose water added to the filling. Optionally, add a pinch of saffron to the dough as well — the dough takes on a pale golden color. Dried rose petals scattered on top of the finished glaze. This is a genuinely beautiful version for special occasion menus — Eid, Diwali, weddings, or high-end restaurant service. The floral, fragrant notes of rose and saffron complement the coconut and almond perfectly.

Variation 4: Chocolate Chip Peshwari

Add 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to the classic filling. A modern, fusion twist popular with children and useful for café menus targeting a broader demographic. The chocolate melts slightly during cooking and creates small pockets of richness inside the sweet coconut filling. Use dark chocolate chips (70%) to prevent the filling from becoming overwhelmingly sweet. This variation is best served at Level 1 sweetness in the base filling so the chocolate doesn't push it too far.

Variation 5: Dried Apricot and Pistachio Peshwari

Replace sultanas with finely chopped dried apricots and replace half the ground almond with ground pistachios. The filling becomes brighter in flavor — the apricots provide a sharper dried-fruit note than sultanas, and the pistachio adds color and a distinctly Middle Eastern character. This variation pairs particularly well with lamb-based curries and lightly spiced rice dishes.

The Curry Pairing Guide: Which Curries Work With Peshwari Naan (and Why)

Most recipes say 'serve with any curry.' This is technically true but unhelpfully vague. Peshwari naan has a specific flavor profile — sweet, coconutty, nutty, mildly spiced — that creates different effects depending on the curry it accompanies. Understanding the pairing logic lets you make better decisions.

The Sweet-Spicy Contrast Principle

Peshwari naan works best when there is a meaningful flavor contrast between the naan and the curry. The filling's sweetness is a foil, not a complement — it's most rewarding when it plays against heat, acidity, or deeply savory, meat-forward flavors. When the curry is also coconut-based or sweet, you lose the contrast and the naan's special quality fades into the background.

Curry

Pairing Quality

Why It Works (or Doesn't)

Chicken Tikka Masala

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Tangy tomato and warm spices contrast perfectly with sweet naan. The most popular restaurant pairing.

Lamb Rogan Josh

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Intensely spiced, heat-forward sauce — sweet naan provides essential relief and contrast

Chana Masala (chickpea)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

High acidity from tomato, punchy spices — Peshwari's sweetness is a perfect foil

Vindaloo

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Very hot, very acidic — Peshwari naan is cooling and sweet, which is exactly what vindaloo needs

Chicken Karahi / Kadai

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good

Bold tomato and chili sauce with heat — sweet naan balances well

Saag (spinach curry)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good

Earthy, slightly bitter spinach base — naan sweetness works as contrast

Butter Chicken

⭐⭐⭐ Good

Butter chicken is already mild and sweet — the pairing is pleasant but lacks contrast; plain or garlic naan are better here

Korma

⭐⭐ Average

Korma is mild, creamy, and subtly sweet — Peshwari adds more sweet on sweet. Edible but missing the magic

Dal Makhani

⭐⭐ Average

Creamy, rich, coconut-adjacent flavors — again, similar profiles. Plain naan is the better choice here

Coconut-based curry (Thai-adjacent)

⭐ Poor

Coconut curry + coconut filling = redundant. The contrast disappears entirely

The pairing principle in one line: The hotter, more acidic, and more spice-forward the curry — the better Peshwari naan pairs with it. The sweeter and creamier the curry — the worse the pairing. Vindaloo with Peshwari naan is a genuinely revelatory combination. Korma with Peshwari naan is pleasant but forgettable.

Non-Curry Pairings

•       Chai: Peshwari naan eaten with masala chai and no curry at all — popular as a mid-afternoon snack or Ramadan/Eid treat in South Asian households

•       Raita (yogurt dip): Plain yogurt or mint raita as a dipping sauce — the coolness of yogurt and the sweetness of Peshwari is an excellent standalone combination

•       Mango lassi: A sweet-on-sweet pairing that works because the lassi is cold and the naan is warm — the temperature difference makes it interesting

•       As a dessert naan: At Level 3 sweetness, served warm with a scoop of kulfi or vanilla ice cream — a genuine dessert option for restaurant menus

Common Peshwari Naan Problems & How to Fix Them

Problem

Most Likely Cause

Fix

Filling falls out during rolling

Filling too dry / crumbly, or too little butter in paste

Add butter or cream ½ tsp at a time until paste holds when pressed

Filling leaks from edges during cooking

Seal incomplete / filling too close to edge

Leave a clean 2.5cm border; seal with double pinch-and-press

Naan is too sweet / overwhelmingly sweet

Too much sugar or sweetened coconut used

Start at Level 1; use unsweetened desiccated coconut

Filling tastes bland, no depth

Skipped cardamom and cinnamon

Cardamom is non-negotiable for this filling — add at minimum ¼ tsp

Dough is dense, doesn't puff

Yeast didn't activate / insufficient rise time

Proof yeast first; give dough full 1–1.5 hour rise

Naan tough after cooking

Over-kneaded / too much flour

Knead until smooth only; dough should be slightly tacky

Filling dry and crumbly when eating

Coconut ratio too high / insufficient butter

Reduce coconut by 1 tbsp; increase butter; add 1 tsp cream

No char marks on bottom

Pan not hot enough

Cast iron must be genuinely hot — wisps of smoke before naan goes in

Peshwari Naan Calories and Nutrition

Peshwari Naan Calories

Format

Serving

Approx. Calories

Notes

Homemade, Level 2 Classic (with butter glaze)

1 naan (~115g)

295–335 cal

Higher than plain naan by ~40–60 cal due to filling fat and sugar

Homemade, Level 1 Mild (no sultanas, less sugar)

1 naan (~105g)

265–295 cal

Closest to plain naan calories

Homemade, Level 3 Full Sweet (with honey glaze)

1 naan (~130g)

360–410 cal

Honey glaze adds 40–60 cal per naan

Restaurant Peshwari naan

1 naan (~150–170g)

380–470 cal

Larger portions + generous butter finish

Store-bought / frozen Peshwari naan

1 naan (~90g)

250–290 cal

Smaller, less filling, lower butter content

Mini Peshwari naan (catering/event)

1 mini (~55g)

140–170 cal

Good for portion control at events

Macro breakdown (1 classic homemade Peshwari naan, ~115g): Calories: 315 | Carbs: 48g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Sodium: ~290mg

The sugar content (10g per naan) is significantly higher than plain naan (~3g) but lower than dessert foods. The fat from ground almonds and coconut is primarily unsaturated, unlike butter cookies or cream-based sweets.

Storage and Reheating

Method

Duration

Notes

Room temperature

1–2 days

Store in an airtight bag or container; do not refrigerate same-day

Refrigerator

3–4 days

Naan firms up; reheat before eating

Freezer (cooked)

Up to 2 months

Freeze individually; thaw at room temp; reheat in skillet

Freezer (uncooked, stuffed)

Up to 1 month

Freeze after stuffing but before rolling; thaw fully before rolling and cooking

Filling (only)

Refrigerator 3 days / Freezer 1 month

Make filling in advance — very convenient for restaurant prep

Best Reheating Methods

•       Cast iron skillet (best): Medium heat, 1.5–2 minutes per side. Adds slight crispness back to the bread while warming the filling

•       Oven 180°C (350°F): Wrapped in foil, 6–8 minutes. Even heating; good for multiple naans

•       Microwave: 20–25 seconds wrapped in damp paper towel. Fast but soft — no texture recovery

Note on refrigerating: Unlike keema naan (which has food safety reasons to stay out of the fridge), Peshwari naan can be refrigerated without issue. The filling's sugar content actually acts as a mild preservative. The only downside is that the coconut filling can dry out slightly in the fridge — brush with a little melted butter before reheating.

Make-Ahead Options

Filling Up to 3 Days Ahead

The filling keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Make it ahead on Sunday for weeknight naan — the flavors actually improve slightly as the spices meld together. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before stuffing.

Dough Overnight

Make dough through the first rise, punch down, divide into balls, wrap individually, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. The slow fermentation develops better flavor. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before shaping and stuffing.

Batch Cook and Freeze

Cook a full batch without the honey glaze (glaze fresh on reheating). Cool completely on a wire rack. Freeze individually with parchment between pieces. When reheating, brush with fresh honey-butter glaze. Peshwari naan freezes very well — the filling's fat content protects the bread texture during freezing and reheating.

For Restaurants & Canadian Bakeries: Peshwari Naan as a Seasonal Menu Item

Peshwari naan occupies a unique commercial position in the Canadian market: it's the sweet menu item in an otherwise entirely savoury bread category, which means it functions as both a bread course and a semi-dessert option. For Indian restaurants, South Asian bakeries, and fusion cafés, it opens up menu opportunities that other naan variants don't.

When to Feature Peshwari Naan on the Menu

Peshwari naan is not an everyday bread for most customers — it's an occasion bread. The sweetness and richness of the filling means most people order it specifically rather than as a default. This has menu implications:

•       Holiday menus (Eid al-Fitr, Diwali, Ramadan iftar): The sweet filling and fragrant spices position Peshwari naan perfectly for celebration feasts. A Level 3 sweetness version with honey-almond glaze and saffron dough is a high-value seasonal item

•       Weekend brunch menus: Peshwari naan with sweet chai and yogurt as a brunch item reaches a different customer segment than standard dinner-menu positioning

•       Dessert pairing: A warm Peshwari naan served with kulfi or a small raita and honey drizzle is a legitimate dessert course — and a high-margin one given the ingredient cost

•       Corporate gifting and hampers: Peshwari naan (especially the saffron-rose variation) packaged beautifully makes an excellent addition to South Asian food gift hampers for Eid, Diwali, or corporate events

Pricing Peshwari Naan

Format

Food Cost per Naan

Recommended Menu Price (Canada)

Target Gross Margin

Standard Peshwari naan (Classic Level 2)

$0.45–$0.65

$5.00–$7.00

87–92%

Saffron & Rose Peshwari (premium)

$0.70–$0.95

$7.00–$9.50

87–91%

Peshwari naan with dessert service (kulfi/honey)

$0.80–$1.20

$9.00–$13.00

88–92%

Event / catering mini Peshwari (each)

$0.25–$0.40

$2.50–$4.00

88–92%

Margin note: Peshwari naan has the highest gross margin in the naan family because the filling ingredients (desiccated coconut, ground almonds, sultanas) are very inexpensive per portion. The premium comes entirely from the technique and presentation — not from the ingredient cost. This makes it one of the best-value menu investments for any Indian restaurant.

Packaging Peshwari Naan for Takeout and Gifting

Peshwari naan is the only naan that doubles credibly as a gift item. Its sweet filling, fragrant spices, and honey-almond top create a product that looks and feels premium — appropriate for Eid hampers, Diwali gift boxes, or corporate gifting from South Asian food businesses.

Takeout packaging:

  • Individual paper sleeve: A kraft paper sleeve printed or stamped with your logo positions even a single takeout naan as a premium product
  • Compartment box: For a full meal (naan + curry), a 2-compartment kraft box keeps the sweet naan dry and separate from the sauce

Gift packaging:

  • Windowed gift box (2–4 naans): A windowed kraft box allows the honey-glazed, almond-scattered top to be visible — this is the element that sells the product visually
  • Tissue paper lining: Protects the delicate glaze and prevents sticking
  • Gift tag or card: For Eid or Diwali gifting — a small card explaining the filling and pairing suggestions adds perceived value

GET A FREE SAMPLE OR REQUEST A WHOLESALE QUOTE TODAY

Packaging Peshwari Naan for Takeout and Gifting

Frequently Asked Questions: Peshwari Naan

What is the filling in Peshwari naan?

The classic Peshwari naan filling is a paste made from desiccated coconut, ground almonds, and usually sultanas or raisins, sweetened with sugar and flavored with ground cardamom and cinnamon. Some recipes include cream or honey for extra richness and moisture. The filling is bound with softened butter into a firm paste that holds its shape inside the dough during cooking.

Is Peshwari naan sweet?

Yes — Peshwari naan is noticeably sweeter than any other naan variety. How sweet depends on the recipe: a 'mild' version has a subtle sweetness that functions as a background note; a 'full sweet' version at Level 3 is genuinely dessert-adjacent. The sweetness is intentional and designed to pair with spicy, heat-forward curries as a contrast element.

What curries go best with Peshwari naan?

Peshwari naan pairs best with spicy, heat-forward, and acidic curries — the contrast between the sweet filling and the heat of the sauce is the whole point. Top pairings: chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, vindaloo, and chana masala. Avoid pairing with mild, creamy, or coconut-based curries (korma, dal makhani, Thai-style coconut curry) — the similar flavor profiles eliminate the contrast effect.

Can I make Peshwari naan without sultanas?

Yes — simply omit the sultanas and increase the ground almonds by 1 tablespoon to compensate for volume. Many people prefer this version, finding the sultana-less filling cleaner and more purely nutty. The cardamom and cinnamon are more important to the flavor than the sultanas — don't skip those.

What's the difference between Peshwari and Keema naan?

Completely different filling and flavor profile. Peshwari naan has a sweet coconut-almond-dried fruit filling — it's the sweet member of the stuffed naan family. Keema naan has a spiced ground meat filling — it's entirely savoury and functions as a complete meal. The dough is the same; everything else is different. They're complementary items, not alternatives to each other.

How many calories are in Peshwari naan?

A homemade Peshwari naan at classic sweetness (Level 2, with butter glaze, approximately 115g) contains about 295–335 calories. A restaurant portion is typically larger (150–170g) and may be more generously buttered, bringing the total to 380–470 calories. A Level 3 sweetness version with honey-almond glaze adds roughly 40–60 calories on top of the base.

Is Peshwari naan a dessert?

Not strictly — it's classified as a bread course and served as an accompaniment to curry rather than after it. However, at Level 3 sweetness with a honey-almond glaze, it functions as a semi-dessert and can be served as such (warm with ice cream or kulfi). The category positioning depends on the sweetness level and how you serve it.

Can I make Peshwari naan without a tandoor?

Yes — a cast iron skillet preheated on high heat produces excellent results. The skillet method creates char marks, puffing, and the characteristic crisp-tender exterior without needing a clay oven. Alternatively, the oven method (230°C / 450°F on a preheated baking stone) produces a more uniformly golden result without char marks. Neither requires any specialist equipment beyond standard kitchen cookware.

Conclusion: The Art of Sweet-Savoury Balance

Peshwari naan is a study in contrast — a bread where the sweet filling is not the main act but the counterpoint. It exists to make the curry taste better by providing relief, fragrance, and textural contrast against the heat and spice of the main dish. Made well, it does exactly that: the bite of spiced lamb or tangy tomato, followed by a piece of soft, coconutty, cardamom-fragrant bread, is a sequence that explains why Peshwari naan became a permanent fixture on Indian restaurant menus worldwide.

At home, the recipe is more forgiving than most stuffed naans: the filling doesn't leak dramatically like cheese, doesn't have food safety implications like raw keema, and the dough technique is standard naan. The only real decision is the sweetness level — start at Level 2, taste after your first batch, and adjust from there.

The three things that define a great Peshwari naan: (1) cardamom in the filling — non-negotiable, (2) the right pairing curry — sweet naan needs a spicy, acidic counterpoint, and (3) the honey-butter glaze applied the moment the naan comes off the heat. Get those three right and the rest takes care of itself.

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