Easy Garlic Naan Bread: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Homemade Flatbreads

Easy Garlic Naan Bread is a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a touch of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. This soft, pillowy flatbread is not only a staple in many Indian households but also a beloved favorite around the world. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, or clay oven, naan has a rich history that dates back centuries, symbolizing the warmth and hospitality of Indian culture.

People adore Easy Garlic Naan Bread for its irresistible flavor and texture. The aromatic garlic infuses the dough, creating a savory experience that perfectly complements a variety of dishes, from spicy curries to grilled meats. Plus, this recipe is incredibly convenient, allowing you to whip up fresh naan in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With its delightful taste and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder that garlic naan has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 3/4 cup warm water (approximately 110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Extra flour for dusting
  • Butter or ghee for brushing (optional)

Preparing the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk together until well mixed.
  2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yogurt and olive oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until the mixture starts to come together.
  3. Gradually add the warm water, a little at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the water, or you may need a little more, depending on the humidity and the flour.
  4. Once the dough has come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for at least 1 hour. This allows the dough to rise and become softer.

Preparing the Garlic Butter

  1. While the dough is resting, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with melted butter or ghee. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more minced garlic.
  2. Set the garlic butter aside to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re using cilantro, you can mix it in just before brushing the naan.

Cooking the Naan

  1. After the dough has rested, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, take one ball of dough and flatten it slightly with your fingers. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into an oval or circle about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure to dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  3. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the naan.
  4. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the rolled-out naan onto the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface.
  5. Flip the naan using tongs and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until it is golden brown and has charred spots. You can press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
  6. Remove the naan from the skillet and immediately brush it with the prepared garlic butter. If desired, sprinkle with chopped cilantro for added flavor.
  7. Repeat the rolling and cooking process with the remaining dough balls, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent burning.

Serving the Naan

  1. Once all the naan is cooked and brushed with garlic butter, stack them on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
  2. Serve the garlic naan warm with your favorite Indian dishes such as curry, dal, or as a side with hummus and dips.
  3. For an extra touch, you can serve the naan with additional garlic butter on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Naan

  • For a softer naan, you can add a little more yogurt to the dough.
  • Letting the dough rest longer (up to 2 hours) can enhance the flavor and texture.
  • If you want to make the naan ahead of Easy Garlic Naan Bread

    Conclusion:

    In summary, this Easy Garlic Naan Bread recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience with minimal effort. The combination of soft, pillowy bread infused with the rich flavor of garlic makes it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from spicy curries to savory stews. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also allows for endless variations—consider adding herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist, or even incorporating cheese for a delightful cheesy naan. For serving suggestions, pair your freshly baked naan with a side of homemade chutney or yogurt dip to enhance the flavors even further. You can also use it as a base for a delicious flatbread pizza, topped with your favorite ingredients. The versatility of this Easy Garlic Naan Bread means it can be enjoyed in countless ways, making it a staple in your kitchen. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Easy Garlic Naan Bread is sure to impress. Don’t forget to let us know how it turned out for you—your feedback and variations can inspire others to enjoy this delightful recipe as well! Happy cooking! Print
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    Easy Garlic Naan Bread: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Homemade Flatbreads


    • Author: Maria
    • Total Time: 90 minutes
    • Yield: 6 naan breads 1x

    Description

    This homemade garlic naan is soft, fluffy, and infused with aromatic garlic butter, making it the perfect accompaniment to your favorite Indian dishes. Easy to prepare and customizable with herbs and spices, this naan elevates any meal with its delightful flavor.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
    • 3/4 cup warm water (approximately 110°F or 43°C)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
    • Extra flour for dusting
    • Butter or ghee for brushing (optional)

    Instructions

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk together until well mixed.
    2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yogurt and olive oil. Mix with a spoon or your hands until the mixture starts to come together.
    3. Gradually add the warm water, a little at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the water, or you may need a little more, depending on the humidity and the flour.
    4. Once the dough has come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
    5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for at least 1 hour.
    6. While the dough is resting, prepare the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with melted butter or ghee. Set aside.
    7. After the dough has rested, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
    8. On a lightly floured surface, take one ball of dough and flatten it slightly. Roll it out into an oval or circle about 1/4 inch thick.
    9. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
    10. Once the skillet is hot, place the rolled-out naan onto the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface.
    11. Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown with charred spots.
    12. Remove the naan from the skillet and immediately brush it with the prepared garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
    13. Repeat the rolling and cooking process with the remaining dough balls.
    14. Once all the naan is cooked, stack them on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
    15. Serve warm with your favorite Indian dishes or as a side with dips.

    Notes

    • For a softer naan, consider adding a bit more yogurt to the dough.
    • Allowing the dough to rest longer (up to 2 hours) can enhance flavor and texture.
    • Uncooked dough balls can be frozen for later use; just thaw and roll out when ready to cook.
    • Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the garlic butter for unique flavors.
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes

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