Easy Garlic Naan Bread

This fluffy garlic naan recipe captures that irresistible bakery aroma and delicate chew you expect from a classic Indian restaurant side. With a handful of everyday ingredients, you can turn out golden, garlicky bread that soaks up every drop of your favorite curry. This is my go-to bread whenever we make takeout-style dinners at home and it never lasts more than a few minutes on the table.

My family always sneaks a piece as soon as they smell it on the stove and it is the first thing they ask for whenever curry night comes around. Once you make this from scratch you will never go back to store bought naan again.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: provides a reliable soft and chewy base choose unbleached flour for best texture
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast: gives the naan its classic rise check that your yeast is fresh for best results
• Sugar: helps feed the yeast and adds a touch of tenderness use plain white sugar
• Warm water: brings the dough together and activates the yeast aim for just warm not hot to the touch
• Salt: brightens the flavors of the bread I like to use fine sea salt
• Plain yogurt: makes the dough richer and adds a gentle tang full fat or Greek yogurt both work
• Oil or ghee: adds moisture and a buttery taste try to find neutral oil or authentic ghee
• Minced garlic: provides aromatic punch make sure it is finely chopped for best spread
• Melted butter: gives the naan its signature shiny finish use high quality unsalted butter if possible
• Chopped cilantro or parsley: adds freshness always use fresh herbs and chop just before using

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl combine the yeast sugar and warm water stir gently and let it rest for ten minutes until the mixture turns frothy and smells slightly sweet This means your yeast is alive and ready

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl add flour salt yogurt and oil Mix everything together using your hands or a sturdy spoon until a shaggy dough forms

Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour bowl and knead thoroughly for ten minutes:

The dough will feel slightly sticky but becomes smooth as you work Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot for one hour until doubled in size

Shape the Naans:

Once the dough has doubled punch it down gently to release air Turn it onto a floured surface and divide evenly into eight balls Roll each ball out into an oval shape about eight inches long and one quarter inch thick

Cook the Naans:

Preheat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium high heat and brush lightly with oil or ghee Place one naan in the hot pan Cook until bubbles appear and spots turn golden brown This usually takes about one minute per side Flip to cook the second side then transfer to a plate covered by a towel to keep warm

Final Touch:

Combine the minced garlic with melted butter in a small bowl While the naan is still hot brush generously with the garlic butter and sprinkle lightly with salt Add freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness Serve right away for the best texture

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Garlic is always my favorite part no matter how many ways I make this naan I never get tired of the rich scent that fills my kitchen as soon as the butter hits the pan. When we made this for Diwali last year all the kids formed a line at the stove and begged for extra garlic butter. It is a memory I treasure every time I bake another batch.

Storage Tips

Cool any leftover naan to room temperature before storing Place in an airtight container or zip top bag and keep in the refrigerator for up to four days For longer storage freeze individual breads with parchment between each piece They reheat beautifully on a skillet or in the oven just add a dab more butter to refresh

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Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy free version you can use coconut milk yogurt and vegan butter This swaps beautifully and still gives you soft flavorful bread If you need gluten free naan replace all purpose flour with a gluten free blend and add one half teaspoon xanthan gum for structure Always check your yeast is fresh and gluten free

Serving Suggestions

Naan pairs so well with classic curries like chicken tikka masala paneer butter masala or spiced chickpeas You can also enjoy it sliced with soups or toasted as a savory snack Leftover naan makes the best base for homemade wraps or flatbread pizzas

Cultural Context

Garlic naan has roots in Indian and South Asian cuisine and is a standard on restaurant menus across the world Traditionally made in a clay tandoor oven this recipe lets you recreate those flavors right on your stovetop Sharing freshly baked naan is a time honored gesture of hospitality in Indian homes

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I make naan soft and fluffy?

Use yogurt in the dough for moisture and knead until smooth. Allow the dough to rise until doubled for a pillowy texture.

→ Can I make this naan vegan?

Yes! Substitute regular yogurt with coconut milk or a plant-based yogurt, and use vegan butter alternatives for brushing.

→ Is it possible to make gluten-free naan?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for structure. Adjust liquids as needed.

→ What is the best way to reheat naan?

Reheat naan in a skillet for a soft, fresh texture. You can also warm it in the microwave with a damp paper towel.

→ Which dishes go well with garlic naan?

Garlic naan pairs wonderfully with Indian curries such as Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobi, or dal. It’s also great with grilled meats and saucy stews.

→ How should I store leftover naan?

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.