The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic naan bread is a soft and flavorful Indian flatbread perfect for pairing with curries, soups, or enjoying on its own. This easy recipe yields warm, garlicky naan with a crispy exterior and tender inside, made from simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra softness, cover the cooked naan with a clean cloth to keep warm and moist until serving.
• Substitute cilantro with fresh mint for a different herbaceous flavor.
• Use ghee instead of oil in the dough for a richer taste.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover naan in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the naan in a sealed plastic bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm on a skillet or in a preheated oven until soft and heated through, then brush with additional garlic butter if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the naan may be denser and less soft. You can try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance of flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to proof the yeast?

Proofing the yeast with warm water and sugar ensures it is active and will help the dough rise properly, especially when using active dry yeast. Instant yeast can be added directly to the flour if preferred, skipping the proofing step.

The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 116 reviews

This easy garlic naan bread recipe yields soft, fluffy, and flavorful Indian-style flatbreads infused with garlic and finished with melted butter and fresh herbs. Perfect for accompanying curries, soups, or enjoying as a snack, this recipe uses simple ingredients and stovetop cooking for quick and delicious homemade naan.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 naan breads 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

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
• Salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Allow this mixture to sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready for use.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, yogurt, and oil. Add the activated yeast mixture and knead all ingredients together for about 10 minutes until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and the dough to become airy.
4. Shape the Naans: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape approximately 8 inches long to form the naan breads.
5. Cook the Naans: Heat a greased skillet over medium-high heat. Place each rolled-out dough onto the skillet and cook for about 1 minute on each side until the bread puffs up, becomes bubbly, and has golden brown spots.
6. Apply Garlic Butter: Mix the minced garlic into the melted butter. As soon as each naan comes off the skillet, brush it generously with the garlic butter mixture to infuse flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the garlic buttered naans with a pinch of salt and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm alongside your favorite dishes.

Notes

• Use warm water at about 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
• If using instant yeast, activation with water is optional but recommended for best results.
• You can substitute yogurt with buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor.
• For extra fluffiness, cover the dough with a damp cloth while it rises to prevent drying out.
• The naan can also be cooked on a grill or in a very hot oven for variation.
• Butter can be substituted with ghee for a more authentic flavor.
• Store leftover naan in an airtight container and reheat on a skillet or oven to maintain texture.

Keywords: garlic naan, naan bread, Indian flatbread, homemade naan, garlic butter naan, easy naan recipe, stovetop naan, Indian bread