Homemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Introduction
Homemade garlic naan bread is a soft, fluffy flatbread infused with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs. This simple recipe yields six delicious naans perfect for accompanying curries, soups, or enjoyed on their own.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the warm water, plain yogurt, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: While the dough rests, combine the melted butter with the finely minced garlic and set this garlic butter mixture aside.
- Step 6: Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 7: Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Step 8: Place one rolled naan onto the hot skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles start to form, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
- Step 9: Remove the naan from the skillet and immediately brush it with the garlic butter. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Step 10: Repeat the cooking and buttering process with the remaining dough portions. Serve the naans warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra softness, cover cooked naans with a clean kitchen towel before serving to retain moisture.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic butter.
- Use fresh herbs like mint or parsley instead of cilantro for a different flavor.
- Substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and slight thickness.
Storage
Store leftover naan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the naans wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm them on a skillet or in a hot oven until soft and heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make naan without yeast?
Yes, although traditional naan uses yeast for its characteristic texture and rise. You can make quick naan by substituting yeast with baking powder or baking soda, but the bread will be denser and less fluffy.
What can I serve with garlic naan?
Garlic naan pairs wonderfully with dishes like Indian curries, lentil dals, grilled meats, or even as a base for wraps and sandwiches. It also makes a tasty snack on its own with some extra garlic butter or chutney.
PrintHomemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Homemade Garlic Naan Bread is a soft, flavorful flatbread infused with fresh garlic and butter, perfect for pairing with Indian dishes or enjoying on its own. This recipe uses simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and yeast to create a traditional naan that cooks quickly on a skillet, delivering a warm, aromatic bread with a slightly crisp exterior and tender inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt until evenly combined.
- Form Dough: Add warm water, plain yogurt, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest Dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with finely minced garlic. Set aside for brushing.
- Shape Naans: Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook Naans: Place one rolled flatbread on the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Remove the naan from the skillet and immediately brush it generously with the garlic butter mixture. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the cooking and buttering process with the remaining dough portions. Serve the garlic naans warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use warm water (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker dough.
- Cook the naan on a cast-iron skillet if possible; it provides a better sear and even heat distribution.
- Optionally, add a pinch of nigella seeds or sesame seeds to the dough for extra flavor.
- Garlic butter can be warmed before spreading for easier application and enhanced aroma.
- Serve naan immediately while warm for a soft texture; reheating can be done on a skillet or in an oven wrapped in foil.
Keywords: garlic naan, homemade naan, flatbread, Indian bread, garlic butter naan, easy naan recipe
