The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic naan is a soft, flavorful Indian flatbread perfect for scooping up curries or enjoying on its own. This easy recipe yields warm, garlicky naan with a tender texture, made right on your stovetop.

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

Tips & Variations

• Use ghee instead of oil for a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of nigella seeds or cumin to the dough for extra aroma.
• For cheesy naan, sprinkle grated mozzarella before cooking and fold the dough over it.
• Brush naan with plain melted butter instead of garlic butter for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven wrapped in foil to preserve softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick-rise yeast for this recipe?

Yes, quick-rise yeast can be used. The rising time may be shorter, so check the dough after 30 minutes.

How do I make naan vegan?

Replace yogurt with a plant-based alternative and use oil instead of butter for brushing the naan.

The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 105 reviews

This easy garlic naan bread recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful flatbreads infused with aromatic garlic butter and fresh herbs. Perfect as a side to Indian dishes or as a snack, these naans are made with simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop for quick and delicious results.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 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

Topping Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Then add the activated yeast mixture and knead the combined dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Shape the Naans: Once risen, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into an oval shape approximately 8 inches long, ready for cooking.
4. Cook the Naans: Heat a greased skillet over medium-high heat. Place each naan on the hot skillet and cook until bubbles form and the bottom side is golden brown, about 1 minute. Flip and cook the other side for another minute until cooked through and nicely browned.
5. Final Touch: Mix the minced garlic with the melted butter. Brush this fragrant garlic butter mixture over the hot naans immediately after cooking. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley to finish.

Notes

• Use warm water around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• For extra soft naans, cover them with a clean kitchen towel after cooking to trap steam.
• You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker dough texture.
• If desired, add nigella seeds or sesame seeds on top of the naans before cooking for extra flavor.
• This dough can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before cooking.

Keywords: garlic naan, naan bread, Indian bread, flatbread, homemade naan, skillet naan, garlic butter naan