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Garlic Naan Bread

Garlic Naan Bread
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This Garlic Naan Bread recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and buttery Indian-style flatbreads infused with fresh garlic. Easy to make using simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yogurt, and active dry yeast, it replicates the authentic restaurant experience at home. Perfect as an accompaniment to curries, kebabs, or enjoyed on its own, this versatile naan is a family favorite that can be customized with herbs, cheese, or made vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for vegan version)
  • 3/4 cup warm water (100-110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Garlic Butter Topping

  • 3 tablespoons butter or ghee (melted; use vegan butter or oil for vegan)
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • Optional fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnish

Optional Variations

  • Handful shredded mozzarella or paneer for cheese-stuffed naan
  • Chopped cilantro, mint, or fenugreek leaves mixed into garlic butter
  • Finely chopped green chilies or red chili powder for spicy garlic naan

Instructions

  1. Prepare and activate the yeast: Mix warm water with sugar and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it rest for about 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix the dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and yogurt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Add a bit more flour if too sticky, but keep it moist for tenderness.
  3. Knead until smooth: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky, developing gluten for soft and chewy naan.
  4. Let the dough rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and leave in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size for an airy texture.
  5. Shape the naan: Divide dough into equal balls and roll each into an oval or teardrop shape about 1/4 inch thick. The dough should be soft and pliable, perfect for garlic topping.
  6. Cook the naan: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Place naan on the hot surface and cook until bubbles form. Flip and cook the other side until golden with charred spots, simulating a tandoor oven.
  7. Brush with garlic butter: While naan is warm, generously brush with melted butter mixed with freshly minced garlic to release aroma and flavor. Garnish with optional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Keep water temperature between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Using yogurt is essential to keep naan soft and slightly tangy.
  • Add flour cautiously during mixing to prevent tough dough.
  • Cook naan on very high heat for quick bubbling and characteristic charred spots.
  • Let rolled dough rest a few minutes before cooking to relax gluten and prevent shrinking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic naan, Indian bread, homemade naan, soft naan, garlic bread, Indian cuisine, naan recipe, gluten free naan, vegan naan

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/garlic-naan-bread/