The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic naan bread is a soft, fluffy Indian flatbread infused with rich garlic flavor. This easy recipe guides you through making the best homemade garlic naan that pairs perfectly with curries, soups, or grilled dishes.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water, 110°F
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Add the activated yeast mixture and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
3. Step 3: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Roll each ball into an oval shape about 8 inches long.
5. Step 5: Heat a greased skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for about 1 minute on each side, until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Mix the minced garlic with melted butter. Brush this garlic butter mixture over the cooked naans.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle salt over the naans and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra fluffiness, cover the dough with a damp cloth while rising to prevent drying out.
• Substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
• Use ghee instead of oil for a more authentic flavor.
• Add a pinch of nigella seeds or sesame seeds on top before cooking for added texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover naan in an airtight container or zip-lock bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by warming in a skillet over medium heat or briefly in a toaster oven to retain softness and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used as a direct substitute and may even reduce the rising time since it activates faster.

How can I make naan bread without a skillet?

You can bake naan bread on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in a hot oven at 475°F (245°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 129 reviews

This easy garlic naan bread recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful flatbreads perfect for pairing with Indian curries or enjoying on their own. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and garlic, the dough is activated with yeast for a light texture, cooked on the stovetop in a skillet, then brushed with butter and garlic for a delicious finishing touch.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 naans 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water, 110°F
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

Garlic Butter Topping

• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
• Salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead the dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Naans: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal-sized balls. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into an oval shape approximately 8 inches long.
4. Cook the Naans: Heat a greased skillet over medium-high heat. Place one rolled naan onto the skillet and cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until the naan is bubbly and golden brown in spots.
5. Final Touch: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with melted butter. Immediately after cooking each naan, brush the garlic butter mixture over the warm breads. Sprinkle lightly with salt and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use warm water to properly activate the yeast, but it should not be too hot or it may kill the yeast.
• You can substitute yogurt with buttermilk for a slight variation in flavor and tenderness.
• For extra softness, cover the cooked naans with a clean towel while they cool to retain moisture.
• Ghee adds a richer flavor compared to oil, but either can be used in the dough.
• This recipe can be doubled or halved easily depending on the number of servings needed.
• Cook the naans on medium-high heat to get the characteristic bubbles and slight char typical of traditional naan.

Keywords: garlic naan bread, easy naan recipe, Indian flatbread, stovetop naan, homemade naan, garlic butter naan