Name: Homemade Garlic Naan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487093H48M26S
Total time: PT-14H53M26S
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 cups plain flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ cup warm water; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm milk; ¾ cup Greek yogurt; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped

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Garlic naan is a soft, fluffy, and flavorful Indian flatbread that pairs perfectly with curries, stews, or as a stand-alone snack. With a rich, garlicky butter topping and a slight tang from the yogurt, this homemade naan is easy to make and far better than store-bought. Whether you’re serving it alongside a meal or using it to scoop up your favorite dips, this naan will surely become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic naan recipe combines simple ingredients with a few easy steps to create a deliciously soft and aromatic bread. The dough rises beautifully with the help of active dry yeast, and the addition of Greek yogurt gives the naan a slight tang while keeping it tender. The garlic butter topping adds a rich, savory finish that elevates this bread to perfection. Whether served fresh from the skillet or used as a wrap for your favorite fillings, this naan is sure to please.

Homemade Garlic Naan

Ingredients

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

4 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Leavening Agents:

¼ cup warm water
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk
¾ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
2 cloves garlic, minced

Garlic Butter Topping:

3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the warm milk, Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, and the yeast mixture.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing as you go. Stir until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Lightly oil the dough and place it back into the bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Cook the Naan

After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a ball and then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an oval or round shape, about ¼-inch thick.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
Once the pan is hot, cook the naan one at a time. Place a rolled-out naan in the hot pan and cook for about 2 minutes on one side, until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Garlic Butter Topping

While the naan is cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Remove the naan from the skillet and brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the bread. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.

Serve

Serve the naan warm with your favorite curry or as a side dish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 pieces
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1-1.5 hours for rising)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 1.5-2 hours

Variations

Cheese Naan: Add a handful of shredded cheese (like mozzarella) inside the dough before rolling it out for a cheesy version.
Spicy Naan: Sprinkle some red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough or the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Herb Naan: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or thyme to the dough or the garlic butter for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also wrap the naan in foil to keep it soft.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the naan in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make naan without yeast?

Yes, you can make a no-yeast version by substituting the yeast with baking powder. The texture will be slightly different, but it still results in a delicious flatbread.

2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works well in this recipe. Plain flour is essentially another name for all-purpose flour.

3. Can I freeze naan?

Yes, you can freeze naan. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. To reheat, warm it in the oven or on a skillet.

4. Can I make naan without yogurt?

You can omit the yogurt, but it helps make the naan softer and gives it a slight tang. If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute it with milk or buttermilk.

5. How do I prevent naan from being too doughy?

Ensure you knead the dough well and allow it to rise for the proper amount of time. If the dough is too thick, try rolling it out thinner for a lighter naan.

6. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic will give a more vibrant flavor, but you can use garlic powder in the garlic butter topping as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for 2 cloves of garlic.

7. How do I make naan crispy?

For a slightly crispier texture, increase the heat slightly when cooking the naan and allow the dough to cook longer on each side without burning.

8. Can I make naan on the grill?

Yes, naan can be cooked on a grill. Preheat the grill, and cook the naan on high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, brushing with garlic butter once done.

9. How do I make naan dough without oil?

Oil helps make the naan soft and pliable, but you can reduce the oil or omit it. Keep in mind that the bread will be slightly less tender without the oil.

10. Can I add other toppings to the naan?

Absolutely! You can top your naan with things like sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet twist.

Conclusion

Homemade garlic naan is a wonderfully soft, flavorful bread that’s easy to make and perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. With its aromatic garlic butter topping and fluffy interior, this naan will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it with a curry or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to impress every time!