Easy Garlic Naan Bread (Printable)

Soft, fluffy Indian flatbread infused with garlic and butter. Perfect companion for curries and grilled dishes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1 cup warm water
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
07 - 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

→ Garlic Butter Topping

08 - 3 tablespoons minced garlic
09 - 2 tablespoons melted butter

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
02 - Add flour, salt, yogurt, and oil or ghee to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
03 - Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into an oval or tear-drop shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
06 - Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
07 - Place one naan in the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
08 - Remove from the skillet and immediately brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.
09 - Repeat with remaining dough portions. Serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Requires only 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking.
  • Uses simple pantry staples like flour, yeast, and yogurt.
  • Yields perfectly chewy and airy flatbreads every time.
  • Easy to adapt for vegan diets with plant-based substitutions.
02 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the best heat distribution and those iconic dark brown spots.
  • Keep the dough covered with a damp kitchen towel during the rise to prevent a crust from forming.
  • Don't roll the dough too thin; a 1/4 inch thickness ensures it stays soft and chewy rather than becoming crunchy.
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