Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
If you have ever wanted to bring the irresistible flavors of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen, this Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is a total game-changer. Soft, pillowy naan infused with fragrant garlic and fresh cilantro creates a perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty brightness. Whether you are scooping up curry, wrapping your favorite fillings, or simply enjoying it warm with a little extra butter, this homemade naan bread is sure to become one of your new favorite go-to breads. It captures the authentic taste and texture of traditional naan, but with ingredients so simple and easy that you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be humble, but each one is essential for creating that classic naan bread texture and flavor that melts in your mouth. From the active dry yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully to the garlic that makes this bread sing, every item plays a vital role.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): This is the magic behind your dough’s rise and airy softness.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: A little sweetness to feed the yeast and encourage a lively dough.
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C): Perfect temperature to activate your yeast without killing it.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that forms the structure of your naan.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds an extra lift for lightness and fluff.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with browning and gives naan that perfect chew.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (room temperature): Adds moisture, richness, and a subtle tangy depth.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps the dough soft and tender without overpowering flavor.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or ghee: Brushed on to impart authentic buttery flavor and a golden finish.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced: This garlic makes all the difference for that signature aromatic zing.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous touch that brightens every bite.
How to Make Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This foamy layer is your yeast waking up and ready to give your naan its wonderful rise and softness.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Add in the yogurt, vegetable oil, and your foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms then turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough—this step is crucial for that stretch and fold texture naan is famous for. Once kneaded, place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Shape the Naan
After your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and divide it into 6 to 8 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball out into a circle or oval about 1/4-inch thick. This shouldn’t be paper thin but enough to get a nice fluffy bread after cooking.
Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter or ghee with the minced garlic. This fragrant garlic butter will be brushed onto the naan immediately after cooking to infuse it with mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Cook Your Naan
Heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat—no oil required here! Place one piece of rolled dough into the hot skillet. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles start to pop up and the underside shows lovely golden brown spots. Flip and cook the other side similarly for 1 to 2 minutes. For an authentic touch, gently press the naan with a spatula during cooking to get an even char and texture. Remove from the pan and immediately brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if you’re using it. Repeat with the rest of the dough balls and serve warm.
How to Serve Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While freshly chopped cilantro adds a fresh burst of flavor and color, another popular garnish is a sprinkle of nigella seeds or sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. You can also drizzle a bit more melted butter or ghee on top just before serving to make each naan extra indulgent. These little touches elevate the humble naan from comforting to gourmet instantly.
Side Dishes
Garlic naan is the ultimate companion for robust dishes like Indian curries, dals, or tandoori meats. It’s perfect for scooping up creamy butter chicken, tangy chickpea curry, or even simple vegetable stews. Beyond Indian cuisine, naan bread also pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern dips like hummus or baba ganoush, making it a versatile side to keep in your recipe arsenal.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, cut your warm naan into wedges and serve it in a basket lined with a colorful napkin. You can also create naan wraps, filling them with grilled vegetables, paneer, or spiced meats. Another fun idea is to top naan with cheese and herbs, then toast it quickly for an instant homemade flatbread pizza experience. The Garlic Naan Bread Recipe lends itself to many delicious adaptations limited only by your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, try to consume them relatively quickly since naan bread is at its best when fresh and soft.
Freezing
Freezing is a fantastic option for extending the life of your naan. Wrap individual naan breads tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month without losing much flavor or texture. This way, you can always have homemade naan on hand whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To bring your naan back to life, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm the naan for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until soft and heated through. You can also reheat them wrapped in foil inside a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. A quick brush of butter after reheating always revives that freshly made feeling.
FAQs
What can I use instead of yogurt in the Garlic Naan Bread Recipe?
If you don’t have yogurt on hand, you can substitute with buttermilk or sour cream to maintain the dough’s moisture and tangy flavor. Just keep it at room temperature and adjust the quantity if needed to get a similar dough consistency.
Can I make this naan bread vegan?
Yes! To make the Garlic Naan Bread Recipe vegan, replace the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and use olive oil instead of butter or ghee for brushing. The dough will still rise nicely and taste delicious.
Why does naan bread need both baking powder and baking soda?
The combination of baking powder and baking soda creates the perfect balance of leavening. Baking powder gives a gentle rise and fluffiness, while baking soda helps the naan brown beautifully and develop a pleasant chewiness.
Can I bake this naan in the oven instead of stovetop?
Absolutely! While stovetop cooking gives that authentic charred effect, baking in a hot oven or under a broiler for a few minutes works well too. Just monitor closely so it doesn’t dry out and brush with garlic butter as soon as it’s done.
How can I make my garlic naan bread softer?
Using warm yogurt and properly kneading the dough helps create softer naan. Also, don’t forget to let the dough rise until doubled in size, which is key for tenderness. Brushing with melted butter or ghee right after cooking seals in moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is a wonderfully rewarding way to bring a classic favorite into your own kitchen. Soft, flavorful, and utterly delicious, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging in a cozy night at home. With a handful of simple ingredients and just a bit of patience, you’ll have fresh warm naan that beats anything store-bought. Give it a try—you might find it quickly becoming one of your cherished staples.
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Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 naan breads 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Naan Bread recipe is a delicious homemade Indian flatbread perfect as a side dish or for wraps. Soft and flavorful, it features a garlicky butter topping and is cooked on the stovetop for an authentic taste and texture. Perfect for pairing with curries, soups, or enjoying on its own warm.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or ghee
- 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the yogurt, vegetable oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Naan: Punch down the dough and divide it into 6–8 equal balls. Roll each ball on a lightly floured surface into an oval or round shape about 1/4-inch thick.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter or ghee with the finely minced garlic.
- Cook Naan: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Place one rolled dough piece into the dry, hot skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom shows golden brown spots.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Turn the naan and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Immediately brush the hot naan with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the cooking process with remaining dough pieces. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra char and authentic flavor, gently press the naan with a spatula while cooking to create more contact with the skillet.
- This naan pairs perfectly with curries, soups, or can be used as a wrap for various fillings.
- Leftover naan breads can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated in a skillet or oven for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
