Garlic Naan Bread is a popular Indian flatbread that is soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. This delicious bread is the perfect companion for your favorite curries, stews, or even as a snack on its own. With its garlicky goodness and buttery taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Garlic Naan Bread at home allows you to customize the flavors and ensure freshness. It’s an easy recipe that requires basic ingredients and does not take much time. Plus, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked naan that fills your home. You’ll impress your family and friends with your cooking skills, and they’ll love the warm, tasty bread served alongside their meals.
How to Make Garlic Naan Bread
Ingredients
- 2 tsp (7g) instant yeast
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) warm water
- 300 g (2 1/2 cups) strong white bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp (5g) sugar (caster or superfine)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 150 ml (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) natural yogurt
- 30 g (2 tbsp) melted unsalted butter
- 3-4 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 75 g (5 tbsp) melted unsalted butter (for brushing)
- 1 tsp salt (for garlic butter)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tsp dried parsley (or 4 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley)
Directions
- Place the yeast in a bowl and add the warm water. Stir together and leave for 5 minutes until foam appears on top of the water.
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, yeast and water mixture, yogurt, and melted butter to a stand mixer bowl.
- Mix the dough together using the dough hook until combined. The mixture may look dry at first but will come together.
- Once combined, knead the dough with the dough hook for 10 minutes. The dough will be quite sticky.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or clingfilm, and let it rise for 60-90 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Dust the work surface with flour. Divide the dough into 6 balls, dust each with flour, and roll them into teardrop shapes (about 18cm long and 12cm wide).
- Preheat the oven to its lowest setting to keep the naan warm.
- Heat a large frying pan (non-stick or cast iron) over high heat. When hot, place a naan in the pan and fry for about 3 minutes until it puffs up.
- Turn the naan over and cook for another 3 minutes until golden patches appear. You can cook it longer for darker patches.
- Meanwhile, mix the melted unsalted butter, salt, garlic, and dried parsley to make the garlic butter.
- Once cooked, place the naan on a baking tray and brush the top generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Cover the tray with foil and put it in the oven.
- Repeat the process with the rest of the naan, stacking them on the tray, and brushing with garlic butter in between. Keep them warm under the foil.
How to Serve Garlic Naan Bread
Serve your Garlic Naan Bread fresh and warm alongside your favorite curry, dal, or stew. You can also enjoy it on its own or with dips like hummus or yogurt.
How to Store Garlic Naan Bread
You can store leftover Garlic Naan Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan or oven.
Tips to Make Garlic Naan Bread
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- If you like a stronger garlic flavor, add more minced garlic to the butter mixture.
- Dust the dough with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Variation
You can customize your naan by adding toppings like cheese, herbs, or spices to the dough before rolling it out. Try adding different types of herbs for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of strong white bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the naan may not be as chewy and fluffy.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
3. How can I make a gluten-free version?
You can substitute the strong white bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to follow any specific guidelines for gluten-free baking.
Enjoy making and indulging in your homemade Garlic Naan Bread!
Garlic Naan Bread
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 120 ml warm water Ensure the water is warm but not hot.
- 300 g strong white bread flour Plus extra for dusting.
- 1 tsp sugar (caster or superfine)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 150 ml natural yogurt (about 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp)
- 30 g melted unsalted butter
- 3-4 tbsp plain flour
For Garlic Butter
- 75 g melted unsalted butter For brushing.
- 1 tsp salt For garlic butter.
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tsp dried parsley (or 4 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley)
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the yeast in a bowl and add the warm water. Stir together and leave for 5 minutes until foam appears on top.
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, yeast and water mixture, yogurt, and melted butter to a stand mixer bowl.
- Mix the dough together using the dough hook until combined.
- Once combined, knead the dough with the dough hook for 10 minutes until the dough is quite sticky.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or clingfilm, and let it rise for 60-90 minutes until it doubles in size.
Cooking
- Dust the work surface with flour, divide the dough into 6 balls, dust each with flour, and roll them into teardrop shapes (about 18cm long and 12cm wide).
- Preheat the oven to its lowest setting to keep the naan warm.
- Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Once hot, place a naan in the pan and fry for about 3 minutes until it puffs up.
- Turn the naan over and cook for another 3 minutes until golden patches appear. You can cook it longer for darker patches.
- Meanwhile, mix the melted unsalted butter, salt, garlic, and dried parsley to make the garlic butter.
- Once cooked, place the naan on a baking tray and brush the top generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Cover the tray with foil and put it in the oven. Repeat the process with the rest of the naan, brushing with garlic butter in between and keeping them warm under the foil.
