Description
This easy garlic naan bread recipe yields soft, flavorful Indian-style flatbreads perfect for accompanying curries, soups, or enjoying on their own. Made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yogurt, and garlic, these naans are cooked quickly on a skillet for a delicious homemade touch.
Ingredients
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, to sprinkle
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the plain yogurt and oil or ghee, mixing well to incorporate. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, then knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough loosely with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Naans: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide it into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into an oval shape approximately 8 inches long.
- Cook the Naans: Heat a greased skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place one rolled dough oval on the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until bubbles form and the bottom turns golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another minute. Repeat with remaining dough balls.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with the melted butter.
- Finish and Garnish: Brush each cooked naan generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle lightly with salt and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Using yogurt in the dough gives the naan a soft texture and slight tang.
- For extra flavor, add nigella seeds or sesame seeds to the dough or sprinkle on before cooking.
- These naans are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet.
