Easy Garlic Naan Bread (Printable)

Soft, fluffy Indian flatbread infused with garlic and butter. Ideal for curries, wraps, or savoring solo. Quick, simple, and delicious.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 package (0.25 oz / 7 g) active dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
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

# Method:

01 - Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let stand for 5–10 minutes until mixture becomes frothy and activated.
02 - Add flour, salt, yogurt, and oil (or ghee) to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a shaggy dough forms and all dry ingredients are incorporated.
03 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously for 5–7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky to the touch.
04 - Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in volume.
05 - Punch down risen dough to release air. Divide into 8 equal portions and roll each piece into an oval or teardrop shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
06 - Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until thoroughly hot but not smoking.
07 - Place one naan in the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until golden brown spots develop.
08 - Remove cooked naan from skillet and immediately brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic while still hot.
09 - Repeat cooking and buttering process with remaining dough portions. Serve warm alongside curries, dal, or use as a wrap for grilled meats and vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The yogurt makes these naan incredibly tender and gives them that perfect pillowy texture
  • Brushing them fresh from the pan with garlic butter transforms simple bread into something extraordinary
  • You can have fresh, warm naan ready in under an hour from start to finish
02 -
  • Letting the dough rest in a warm spot is non-negotiable for achieving those signature bubbles
  • The naan will deflate slightly after brushing with butter, which is completely normal
  • Cooking the naan one at a time may seem tedious, but it guarantees the best texture
03 -
  • Using ghee instead of oil adds an authentic nutty flavor that you cannot get from anything else
  • Let the dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling to make it easier to handle
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