If you have ever dreamed of baking soft, pillowy bread that bursts with buttery garlic flavor, this Garlic Naan Bread Recipe will soon become your new obsession. Perfectly tender yet slightly crisp at the edges, these little ovals are a joy to make and even more rewarding to eat. With its fragrant garlic infusion and fresh herb finish, this naan is a must-have accompaniment for curries, soups, or simply enjoyed on its own. Let’s dive right into a recipe that turns simple pantry staples into an irresistible homemade treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Garlic Naan Bread Recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays a vital role, from creating the dough’s tenderness to adding that signature garlic warmth and a touch of herbal freshness.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast for a light, airy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the savory flavors.
- Active dry yeast (or instant): The magic behind the dough’s rise and fluffiness.
- Warm milk: Enriches the dough, contributing to softness.
- Greek or plain yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to the bread.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough pliable and the bread tender.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the bread with its signature bold flavor.
- Plain flour: The foundation of the dough, essential for structure.
- Baking powder: Helps with the bread’s light texture and rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Butter: Provides a rich, silky finish when melted and brushed on.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Offers a bright, herbal crunch to finish the naan.
How to Make Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. This little sign tells you the yeast is alive and ready to give your dough that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Next, add the warm milk, yogurt, vegetable oil, minced garlic, plain flour, baking powder, and salt to the bubbly yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a cohesive dough. This step brings all your ingredients into harmony, creating the base for your naan.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Dust a clean surface lightly with flour and knead your dough for 3 to 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops the gluten for that ideal chewiness without toughness.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly grease a mixing bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and allow it to rise at room temperature for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise is what makes your naan so soft and airy.
Step 5: Shape the Naan
Once risen, divide your dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into an oval roughly 6 inches long and â…›-inch thick. These thin ovals will cook quickly, yielding that perfect balance of tender and light crispness.
Step 6: Cook the Naan Bread
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking. Place one naan on the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until blisters and bubbles begin appearing on the surface. Brush the top lightly with oil while it cooks to help brown the bread beautifully.
Step 7: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the naan carefully and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes until you see golden spots. The bread should puff just slightly and develop a lovely toasted flavor.
Step 8: Keep Warm and Repeat
Remove each cooked naan from the skillet and wrap it in a clean towel to keep warm and soft as you cook the remaining pieces. This keeps your naan warm and ready for the delicious final step.
Step 9: Add the Garlic Butter
For the irresistible finishing touch, mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush it generously over each warm naan. Sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this naan is delicious as is, adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the garlic punch and add a hint of texture. For an exotic twist, a light drizzle of honey or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds can elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Garlic naan bread pairs wonderfully with rich curries like butter chicken or tikka masala, cooling raita, or even hearty soups like spicy lentil or tomato basil. Its mild tang from yogurt and fragrant garlic make it a perfect partner to a wide variety of dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your naan into triangles and serving as part of a homemade appetizer platter with hummus, baba ganoush, or chutneys. Alternatively, you can use the naan as a base for open-faced sandwiches or mini pizzas topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a quick snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, allow the naan bread to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the bread soft and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
Garlic naan freezes beautifully. Place cooled naan in a single layer between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months so you can enjoy fresh-tasting naan anytime you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
To revive your naan, reheat it in a hot skillet, wrapped in foil in the oven, or even quickly in the microwave. Brushing lightly with extra melted butter can restore the freshly baked softness and that irresistible garlic aroma.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast with active dry yeast in this recipe. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients instead of activating in water, and expect a slightly quicker rise.
What if I don’t have yogurt on hand?
If you don’t have yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk can be used as alternatives. They will still add moisture and tang to the dough but might alter the texture slightly.
Can I make this dough without oil?
While oil helps keep the naan tender and moist, you can omit it if needed. Your naan may be a bit less soft but will still be tasty.
How do I get those beautiful bubbles on the naan?
The bubbles form when cooking the naan on a hot skillet because of steam escaping through the dough. Make sure your pan is hot enough and don’t press down on the dough while cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Garlic Naan Bread Recipe contains no meat or eggs and is perfect for vegetarian diets. Just double-check your butter and yogurt sources if you want to confirm they meet your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Naan Bread Recipe really brings homemade bread to the next level with its rich flavors and simple steps. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, this naan is your go-to. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked on that tender, buttery garlic goodness.
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Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Garlic Naan Bread recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful Indian-style flatbreads infused with garlic and topped with a delicious garlic butter and fresh herbs. Perfect to serve alongside curries, stews, or as a tasty snack on its own, this naan is made with simple ingredients and cooked on a stovetop skillet for an authentic, quick homemade touch.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast (or instant)
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¾ cup Greek or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (plus 2 tbsp extra for cooking)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
- Make Dough: Add warm milk, yogurt, ¼ cup vegetable oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, flour, baking powder, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients come together to form a dough.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a mixing bowl with oil, place the kneaded dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise at room temperature for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape Naan: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a 6-inch oval, about â…›-inch thick.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and grease lightly with ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil.
- Cook Naan First Side: Place one naan on the hot skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles begin to form on the surface. Brush the top with a little oil as it cooks to keep it moist.
- Cook Naan Second Side: Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until golden spots appear on the bottom side.
- Keep Warm: Remove the cooked naan from the skillet and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and soft. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining dough pieces, keeping all cooked naan wrapped.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Combine melted butter with minced garlic. Brush each hot naan with the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water and milk are warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough well is crucial for soft and fluffy naan texture.
- Covering the naan with a towel after cooking keeps it moist and soft.
- Use a cast iron skillet or heavy pan for best heat retention and even cooking.
- If desired, you can add a pinch of nigella seeds or sesame seeds to the dough for extra flavor.
- Serve naan warm for the best taste and texture.
