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Garlic Naan Bread

Garlic Naan Bread

This Garlic Naan Bread recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and pillowy bread infused with fresh garlic and butter. Perfectly chewy with a tender bite, this homemade naan is quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with rich curries or enjoyed on its own. With simple pantry ingredients and easy steps, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 105-110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Garlic Butter Topping

  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy, signaling the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, yogurt, and olive oil. Mix to form a soft dough, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and leave it in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This rising time is key to achieving fluffy naan texture.
  3. Prepare Garlic Butter: While the dough rises, melt butter and mix in the minced garlic and chopped cilantro (if using). Set aside to use for brushing the naan after cooking.
  4. Shape the Naan: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 to 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval or tear-drop shape about 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
  5. Cook the Naan: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Place one rolled naan on the pan. When bubbles start to form and the bottom has golden brown spots, flip it. Cook the other side until golden spots appear. Remove from pan promptly.
  6. Brush with Garlic Butter: Immediately brush the hot naan with the prepared garlic butter, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors. Repeat for all pieces of naan.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is warm (105-110°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for soft, elastic naan.
  • Allow enough rising time for fluffy texture.
  • Cook on a very hot skillet for authentic charred spots.
  • Brush naan immediately after cooking to lock in moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic naan, Indian bread, homemade naan, soft naan, garlic bread, skillet naan