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Homemade Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

5 from 65 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. Form Dough: Add warm water, plain yogurt, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 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.
  5. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with finely minced garlic. Set aside for brushing.
  6. Shape Naans: Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready for cooking.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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