The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic naan bread is a soft, flavorful Indian flatbread that’s perfect as a side or snack. This easy recipe yields warm, fluffy naans infused with fragrant garlic and fresh herbs.

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 yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, yogurt, and oil.
3. Step 3: Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Step 4: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls.
6. Step 6: Roll each ball into an oval shape about 8 inches long.
7. Step 7: Heat a greased skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Step 8: Cook each naan for about 1 minute per side, until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Mix minced garlic with melted butter.
10. Step 10: Brush the garlic butter mixture over the cooked naans.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle with salt and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use ghee instead of oil for a richer flavor in the dough.
• Replace cilantro with fresh mint for a different herb twist.
• For extra soft naan, cover cooked bread with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm and moist.

Storage

Store leftover naan in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used and does not require proofing. Simply mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients before adding liquids.

How do I prevent naan from becoming tough?

Make sure not to overcook the bread and keep it covered after cooking to retain moisture. Using yogurt in the dough also helps keep the naan soft.

The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 146 reviews

This recipe for The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread provides a simple and delicious way to make soft, fluffy, and flavorful naan at home. Infused with garlic and brushed with melted butter and fresh herbs, these naans are perfect as a side for Indian dishes or as a base for wraps and sandwiches.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 naans 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

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yogurt and oil, then pour in the activated yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Naans: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape about 8 inches long using a rolling pin.
5. Cook the Naans: Heat a greased skillet over medium-high heat. Place each rolled naan onto the skillet and cook for about 1 minute on each side, until the bread becomes bubbly and golden brown.
6. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix minced garlic with melted butter.
7. Finish and Garnish: Brush the hot naans generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle salt to taste and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a more authentic flavor, use ghee instead of oil or butter.
• You can add a little nigella or sesame seeds to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
• If you prefer fluffier naan, cover them with a kitchen towel after cooking to allow steam to keep them soft.
• These naans are best served warm and fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or oven.
• If you do not have yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or buttermilk.

Keywords: Garlic naan, homemade naan, Indian bread, easy garlic naan, stovetop naan, yeast naan bread, garlic butter naan