If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing the rich, comforting flavors of Indian cuisine right into your own kitchen, then this Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, pillowy, and infused with fresh garlic and fragrant cilantro, this naan bread is a showstopper that pairs beautifully with any curry, stew, or even on its own as a delicious snack. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch, transforming simple pantry staples into an irresistible, golden-brown bread that’s bursting with flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic touch of Indian culinary magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward by relying on a handful of essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma in your naan. From the flour that forms the soft dough to the garlic and cilantro that bring freshness, each component plays its part in crafting naan bread that’s utterly delightful.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of your dough providing the perfect structure and softness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Active dry yeast (1 teaspoon): Gives your naan that beautiful rise and fluffy texture.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside yeast for a light, airy bread.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Adds tenderness and an even crumb to the dough.
- Warm water (1/2 cup): Aids yeast activation and helps bring the dough together.
- Plain yogurt (1/4 cup): Adds richness and a lovely tang that makes the naan tender.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the dough moist and soft during cooking.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): For brushing over hot naan to lend richness and shine.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3 cloves): The star flavor that infuses the bread with an irresistible aroma.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright, herby finish that complements the garlic perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by combining your flour, salt, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures your naan will rise evenly and have a perfectly tender crumb.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk warm water with the yogurt and vegetable oil. The warm water wakes up the yeast, while the yogurt adds that signature softness to your dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to stir until a rough dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface to begin kneading.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead your dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic, adding a bit of flour if it’s too sticky. This step is crucial—it develops the gluten which brings that soft chewiness beloved in naan.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This resting period gives the yeast time to do its magic.
Step 6: Shape the Naan
After the rise, gently punch down the dough to release trapped air. Divide it into 6 to 8 equal pieces, roll each into a ball, then flatten them to about 1/4-inch thickness, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Cook the Naan
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Cook each naan for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown spots appear. This quick, high-heat method gives naan its classic char and texture.
Step 8: Add Garlic and Butter Topping
As soon as the naan comes off the skillet, brush it generously with melted butter and sprinkle minced garlic and fresh cilantro on top. The warmth of the bread perfectly infuses these vibrant flavors, making each bite heavenly.
How to Serve Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe
Garnishes
Brushing freshly melted butter on your naan is a game-changer, adding rich moisture and a glossy finish. Garlic and chopped cilantro provide vibrant, aromatic bursts that turn simple naan into a flavor sensation. Feel free to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or nigella seeds for an extra layer of texture and taste.
Side Dishes
Homemade garlic naan pairs wonderfully with almost any Indian curry—think creamy butter chicken, spicy chana masala, or fragrant vegetable korma. It also complements lentil dishes and grilled meats, making it the perfect accompaniment to soak up all those sumptuous sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
For informal gatherings, serve naan torn into bite-sized pieces alongside bowls of chutney, raita, or hummus for dipping. You can also use naan as a base for quick flatbread pizzas topped with fresh veggies and cheese. The possibilities are endless, and each one will delight your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover naan, store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps your bread soft and ready to reheat without drying out.
Freezing
Naan freezes beautifully! Place cooled pieces in a sealed freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. It will keep well for up to a month, so you always have quick garlic naan on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, warm naan in a hot skillet for a minute or two on each side or wrap in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to keep it soft, though the skillet method gives the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe without yogurt?
Yogurt adds tenderness and a slight tang to the dough, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with an equal amount of milk or buttermilk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be a little different but still delicious.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
Active dry yeast is best for this recipe because it gives that perfect rise. If you only have instant yeast, you can use it as a direct substitute but skip proofing it in water. Just mix it with the dry ingredients and adjust the liquid accordingly.
How do I get those classic naan bubbles and char spots?
Cooking on a very hot skillet or griddle is the key. The heat creates bubbles and those golden brown charred spots reminiscent of tandoor-cooked naan. Be patient and don’t flip too soon!
Can I add other flavors besides garlic?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, spices like cumin or chili flakes, or even finely chopped onions. Just add them after cooking for a fresh burst, similar to the garlic and cilantro topping.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! This Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe is straightforward and forgiving. With simple steps and common ingredients, it’s a great way to build confidence in homemade bread baking. Just take your time kneading and resting the dough, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious naan.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of Indian hospitality to your table. With each bite, you’ll enjoy soft, buttery bread perfectly infused with garlic and fresh herbs—truly a crowd-pleaser every time. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to naan that’s far better than anything from a store or restaurant. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!
Print
Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 1h 25m
- Yield: 6-8 naan breads
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This homemade garlic naan recipe yields soft, fluffy Indian flatbreads infused with fragrant garlic and fresh cilantro. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yogurt, and yeast, this naan is cooked on a hot skillet for an authentic texture and flavor. Brushed with melted butter and topped with garlic and cilantro, it is perfect to serve warm alongside curries, dals, or as a delicious bread appetizer.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Topping Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, active dry yeast, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a spoon to ensure even distribution.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, pour the warm water and add the plain yogurt, stirring to combine.
- Add Oil: Add the vegetable oil to the water-yogurt mixture and mix well.
- Form Dough: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring continuously with a spoon or your hands until a dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Once the dough starts coming together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on your hands or the surface as needed while kneading.
- Proof Dough: Place the kneaded dough into a clean, lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let Dough Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Melt Butter: While the dough is rising, melt the butter and set it aside for later use.
- Deflate Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.
- Divide Dough: Divide the dough into small portions, approximately 6-8 equal pieces.
- Shape Naan: Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a round shape using your hands or a rolling pin, aiming for about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Prevent Sticking: If the dough sticks to the surface, dust it lightly with flour while rolling.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it is very hot.
- Cook Naan Side 1: Place one naan onto the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface.
- Cook Naan Side 2: Flip the naan over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
- Butter and Garnish: Remove the cooked naan from the skillet and brush it immediately with the melted butter. Then sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped cilantro on top while it is still warm.
- Repeat Cooking: Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions.
- Serve: Serve the garlic naan warm as a side dish or with your favorite curry.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker texture.
- Use a non-stick skillet or cast iron griddle for best results in cooking naan.
- For extra flavor, brush more garlic butter on the naan just before serving.
- If you want a smokier flavor, you can cook naan on an open flame carefully after skillet cooking.
- Allow the dough sufficient rising time to develop a light and airy naan texture.
