Name: Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup warm water; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant, rapid rise); 3/4 cup warm milk; 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (or natural plain yogurt); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus 2 tablespoons extra for cooking); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups plain flour (plus extra for dusting); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro (or parsley), chopped

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Introduction

Garlic Naan Bread is a soft, flavorful Indian flatbread perfect for pairing with your favorite curries or enjoying on its own. This homemade version uses simple ingredients and yields tender, garlicky naans with a buttery finish.

Several pieces of flatbread are stacked on a white marbled surface, each piece showing a soft, slightly puffy texture with golden-brown spots from cooking. The flatbreads have a light yellow layer of melted butter on their surface, sprinkled generously with finely chopped green herbs. A wooden bowl filled with coarse salt sits near the flatbreads, adding a rustic touch. The flatbreads are arranged overlapping each other, showing their irregular oval shapes and soft edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup warm water
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant, rapid rise)
3/4 cup warm milk
3/4 cup Greek yogurt (or natural plain yogurt)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (plus 2 tablespoons extra for cooking)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter (melted)
2 cloves garlic (minced, for topping)
1 teaspoon fresh cilantro (or parsley, chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture bubbles on top.
Step 2: Add the warm milk, yogurt, vegetable oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with your hands until the dough forms.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with floured hands until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Lightly grease a bowl with cooking oil, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest at room temperature for about one hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a 6-inch long oval about 1/8-inch thick.
Step 6: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and grease it with about 1/2 teaspoon of the extra vegetable oil.
Step 7: Place a rolled dough piece onto the hot skillet. Cook until bubbles form, about 1 to 2 minutes, brushing the top with a little oil while it cooks.
Step 8: Flip and cook the other side until golden spots appear, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 9: Remove from heat and wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough.
Step 10: For the garlic butter topping, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush each warm naan with the garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a smokier flavor, cook the naan over a gas flame for a few seconds after skillet cooking, if available.
Substitute fresh rosemary or mint for cilantro to vary the herb topping.
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt works just as well.
To make the dough vegan, replace yogurt with a non-dairy alternative and butter with a plant-based spread.

Storage

Store leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze wrapped in foil for up to one month. Reheat by warming in a dry skillet or oven to restore softness. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can become chewy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of flatbread showing one large piece with a light golden color and soft texture. The flatbread has multiple small browned spots spread across its surface, indicating it was cooked on a hot pan. It is topped with finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly around, and a light layer of shining melted butter giving a moist look. The background shows more pieces of flatbread stacked slightly under the top one, all placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and cooking.

What can I serve with garlic naan?

Garlic naan pairs wonderfully with Indian dishes like butter chicken, lentil dal, or vegetable curry. It’s also great for scooping up dips like hummus or raita.