The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Introduction

Nothing beats warm, fluffy naan bread fresh off the skillet. This easy garlic naan recipe combines simple ingredients to create a fragrant, soft flatbread perfect for dipping or pairing with your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup 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 the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, yogurt, and oil together.
3. Step 3: Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is 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.
6. Step 6: Roll each ball into an oval shape approximately 8 inches long.
7. Step 7: Heat a greased skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Step 8: Cook each naan in the skillet for about 1 minute on each side, until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Mix the minced garlic with melted butter.
10. Step 10: Brush the garlic butter mixture over the hot naans, sprinkle with salt, and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt.
• You can add a pinch of cumin or nigella seeds to the dough for added aroma.
• If you prefer a smoky taste, cook the naan over an open flame for a few seconds instead of using a skillet.
• Use ghee instead of oil for a traditional buttery flavor.

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. To reheat, warm naan in a skillet or oven until soft and heated through, then brush with melted garlic butter again if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and cooking.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Whole wheat flour can be used, but the naan may be denser and less soft. For best results, you can substitute half the flour with whole wheat.

The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 703 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 naans 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious recipe for homemade garlic naan bread featuring a soft, fluffy texture and a perfect buttery garlic finish. This easy recipe uses plain yogurt and yeast for the dough, cooked quickly on a skillet, making it an ideal accompaniment to Indian dishes or for enjoying as a flavorful bread on its own.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup 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

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, plain yogurt, and oil or ghee. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Naans: Once risen, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape about 8 inches long on a floured surface.
5. Cook the Naans: Heat a greased skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place each rolled naan onto the skillet and cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until bubbles form and the bread is golden brown.
6. Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix the minced garlic into the melted butter.
7. Brush Naans with Garlic Butter: Remove cooked naans from the skillet, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle with salt and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use warm water at 110°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt if desired for a thicker dough.
• Cooking naan on a hot skillet mimics the traditional tandoor oven but is convenient for home cooking.
• Brush with garlic butter immediately after cooking to let the butter soak into the bread.
• Store leftover naan in an airtight container and reheat on a skillet or oven for best results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Keywords: garlic naan, easy naan bread, Indian bread recipe, homemade naan, garlic bread