Name: Garlic Naan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: For Naan Bread:; ¼ cup water; 2 tsp granulated sugar; 1½ tsp active dry yeast; ¾ cup milk; ¾ cup plain greek yogurt; ¼ cup Vegetable Oil; 2 cloves garlic; 4 cups plain flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; For Garlic Butter Topping:; 3 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tsp cilantro

Garlic naan bread is a delightful and aromatic addition to any meal, perfect for soaking up sauces or enjoying on its own. This recipe combines soft and fluffy naan with a delectable garlic butter topping, making it a favorite for any garlic lover.

Photos of Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. For instance, active dry yeast is essential for helping the dough rise, while plain Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and soft texture. Ensure you pick up these items during your supermarket trip.

Ingredients For Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

water: The base liquid to activate the yeast.

granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast to help it grow.

active dry yeast: A leavening agent that makes the dough rise.

milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.

plain Greek yogurt: Provides moisture and a slight tangy flavor.

vegetable oil: Keeps the dough soft and pliable.

garlic: Infuses the dough and butter with a robust flavor.

plain flour: The main structure of the naan bread.

baking powder: Helps the naan bread rise and become fluffy.

salt: Enhances all the flavors.

butter: Melts to form a rich garlic topping.

cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the finished naan.

One reader, Brody Bolanos says:

This garlic naan bread recipe is fantastic! The bread turned out soft and fluffy, with a perfect hint of garlic. The step-by-step instructions were easy to follow, making the whole process enjoyable. Definitely a new favorite in our household!

Brody Bolanos

Mastering the Techniques for Garlic Naan Bread

How to activate yeast: Combine water, sugar, and yeast, then let sit until the mixture begins to bubble. How to knead dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and use floured hands to knead until smooth. How to roll dough: Divide the dough into equal pieces, roll into balls, and then use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a large oval. How to cook naan: Heat a skillet, grease it, cook the naan until bubbles form, flip, and cook until golden spots appear. How to make garlic butter topping: Combine melted butter and minced garlic, then brush each naan with the mixture.

How To Make Garlic Naan Bread

You can never get enough of this soft and fluffy texture and buttery garlic flavor of traditional garlic naan bread originating from India.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Rise Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Naan Bread:

¼cupwater,warm
2tspgranulated sugar
1½tspactive dry yeast,or instant rapid rise
¾cupmilk,warm
¾cupplain Greek yogurt,or natural plain yogurt
¼cupvegetable oil,plus 2 tbsp extra for cooking
2clovesgarlic,minced
4cupsplain flour,plus extra for dusting
1tspbaking powder
1tspsalt

For Garlic Butter Topping:

3tbspbutter,melted
2clovesgarlic,minced
1tspcilantro,or parsley, freshly chopped

Instructions

For Naan Bread:

Combine together the water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble on to.
Add in the milk, yogurt, oil, minced garlic, flour baking powder and salt. Mix until the dough comes together with your hands.
Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Use floured hands to knead the dough until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Lightly grease the same mixing bowl with a small spray of cooking oil. Transfer dough to the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature for about an hour until doubled in size.
When ready to cook, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll into balls, then use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a large oval, about 6-inches long and ⅛-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Grease skillet all over with ½ teaspoon of the extra oil.
Place one piece of the naan on the oiled hot skillet and cook until bubbles form on top, about 1 to 2 minutes. While cooking, brush the top with a little oil.
Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until large golden spots appear on the bottom.
Remove from the skillet and wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Repeat with the remaining naan, keep them wrapped in a towel.

For Garlic Butter Topping:

Combine melted butter and minced garlic together in a bowl. Brush each naan with the garlic butter and top with any choice of fresh herb.

Nutrition

Calories: 299.23kcal
Fat: 11.34g
Saturated Fat: 3.69g
Trans Fat: 0.18g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.15g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.33g
Carbohydrates: 41.34g
Fiber: 1.54g
Sugar: 2.63g
Protein: 7.67g
Cholesterol: 13.86mg
Sodium: 253.05mg
Calcium: 80.16mg
Potassium: 89.47mg
Iron: 0.68mg
Vitamin A: 37.67µg
Vitamin C: 0.39mg

Elevate Your Garlic Naan Bread with This Technique Tip

When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. This helps develop the gluten, giving the naan bread its characteristic chewy texture. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour to your hands and the surface, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the bread tough.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Garlic Naan Bread

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and prepare all ingredients like garlic, yogurt, and flour before starting to save time during the process.

Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to mix and knead the dough to save effort and time.

Preheat the skillet: While the dough is resting, preheat your cast-iron skillet so it's ready to cook the naan immediately.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple naan at once if your skillet is large enough to save time.

Garlic butter in microwave: Melt the butter and mix with garlic in the microwave to quickly prepare the garlic butter topping.

Substitute Ingredients For Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and softer texture to the naan bread.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a natural sweetness and help with yeast activation.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used directly without needing to be activated in water first.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and can make the bread softer.
plain greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream has a similar consistency and tanginess to Greek yogurt.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a richer flavor and is a healthier fat option.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though the flavor will be less intense.
plain flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the bread denser.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Mixing these two can mimic the leavening effect of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a richer, nuttier flavor.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, slightly peppery flavor similar to cilantro.

Presenting Garlic Naan Bread: Tips for Serving

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the naan bread in smaller, elegant pieces to highlight its delicate texture and flavor.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with finely chopped cilantro and a light drizzle of garlic butter for a visually appealing touch.
Layer flavors: Brush the naan with the garlic butter just before serving to ensure the aroma and flavor are at their peak.
Add a side dip: Accompany the naan bread with a small bowl of yogurt dip infused with mint and a hint of lemon zest.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure the butter used for the topping is of the highest quality to enhance the overall taste.
Plate with precision: Arrange the naan pieces in a fan shape on a pristine white plate to create a sophisticated presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top of the naan for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Highlight freshness: Serve the naan bread immediately after cooking to maintain its warm, soft texture and fresh taste.
Use complementary colors: Pair the golden-brown naan with a vibrant green cilantro garnish to create a visually striking contrast.
Create a narrative: Explain the inspiration behind the dish, emphasizing the traditional techniques and ingredients used to create an authentic naan bread experience.

Essential Tools for Making Garlic Naan Bread

Mixing bowl: Used to combine the water, sugar, and yeast, and later to mix the dough ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the water, milk, yogurt, and flour.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk: Handy for mixing the water, sugar, and yeast together.
Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves for both the dough and the garlic butter topping.
Rolling pin: Used to roll each piece of dough into a large oval shape.
Cast-iron skillet: Ideal for cooking the naan bread to achieve the perfect texture and golden spots.
Cooking spray: Used to lightly grease the mixing bowl for the dough to rest.
Plastic wrap: Covers the dough while it rests and rises.
Kitchen towel: Wraps the cooked naan to keep them warm and soft.
Pastry brush: Used to brush the naan with oil while cooking and to apply the garlic butter topping.
Small bowl: For combining the melted butter and minced garlic for the topping.
Knife: Used to divide the dough into equal pieces.

Storing and Freezing Garlic Naan Bread

Once the naan bread has cooled completely, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent the bread from drying out and maintain its soft texture.
Place the wrapped naan in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing the container or bag.
Store the naan bread at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you want to keep the naan fresh for a longer period, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place the wrapped bread in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
To freeze the naan bread, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long the naan has been frozen.
Frozen naan bread can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, remove the desired number of pieces from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
To reheat the naan, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the bread for 20-30 seconds, or until warm and soft.
For a fresh, crispy texture, you can also reheat the naan bread on a hot skillet or griddle for a minute or two on each side.
Brush the reheated naan with some melted butter or garlic butter for extra flavor and moisture before serving.

Reheating Leftover Garlic Naan Bread

The best way to reheat leftover garlic naan bread is to wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to retain the moisture and softness of the bread while also crisping up the exterior slightly.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Simply place the naan directly on the rack and toast for 2-3 minutes or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat naan in the microwave. Wrap the bread in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds. This method will soften the bread, but it may not have the same crispy texture as the oven or toaster oven methods.
For a quick and easy way to reheat and add extra flavor to your leftover naan, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush the bread with a little butter or olive oil and place it on the hot surface. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until heated through and slightly crispy. You can even sprinkle some extra minced garlic or chopped herbs on top for added flavor.
If you have a pizza stone, you can use it to reheat your naan and give it a nice, crispy crust. Preheat the pizza stone in a 450°F (230°C) oven for about 30 minutes. Place the naan directly on the hot stone and bake for 2-3 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

Interesting Trivia About Garlic Naan Bread

A fun fact about this garlic naan bread recipe is that it incorporates Greek yogurt into the dough, which not only adds a subtle tangy flavor but also helps to keep the naan soft and fluffy.

Budget-Friendly: Is Garlic Naan Bread Economical?

This garlic naan bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic pantry staples like flour, milk, and yogurt, the overall expense remains low. The most specialized ingredient, active dry yeast, is also affordable and used in small quantities. The garlic and cilantro add minimal cost. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7 USD. Given its simplicity and delicious outcome, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.

Is Garlic Naan Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?

The garlic naan bread recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

The recipe uses refined flour (plain flour), which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
The use of Greek yogurt and vegetable oil adds saturated and unsaturated fats to the recipe.
The garlic butter topping, while flavorful, contributes additional saturated fat and calories to the dish.

However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients, such as garlic, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and cilantro, which is rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace half or all of the plain flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the naan bread.
Reduce the amount of vegetable oil used in the recipe, or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil.
Use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of regular Greek yogurt to decrease the saturated fat content.
Minimize the amount of butter used in the garlic butter topping, or replace it with a small amount of olive oil infused with garlic.
Incorporate more herbs and spices into the recipe, such as oregano, basil, or cumin, to boost the flavor and nutritional value of the dish without adding extra calories or fat.

Editor's Take on the Garlic Naan Bread Recipe

This garlic naan bread recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks. The combination of milk, yogurt, and oil ensures a soft, fluffy texture, while the garlic butter topping adds a rich, aromatic finish. The use of a cast-iron skillet for cooking the naan gives it an authentic, slightly charred flavor. However, consider adding a bit more salt to enhance the overall taste. Fresh cilantro as a topping is a nice touch, but other herbs like parsley or chives could also work well. Overall, a delightful recipe for homemade naan.

Enhance Your Garlic Naan Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Spiced Lentil Soup: Dive into a bowl of lentil soup infused with aromatic spices and a hint of coconut milk. This hearty and warming dish pairs perfectly with the soft, fluffy garlic naan, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Tandoori Chicken Skewers: Imagine succulent chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt and tandoori spices, grilled to perfection. These skewers offer a smoky, spicy contrast to the naan bread, making each bite an adventure.

Mango Chutney: Add a touch of sweetness with a vibrant mango chutney. The tangy and sweet flavors of ripe mangoes combined with a hint of spice create a delightful complement to the savory garlic naan.

Cucumber Raita: Cool things down with a refreshing cucumber raita. This creamy yogurt dip, studded with crisp cucumber and a sprinkle of mint, offers a soothing balance to the rich flavors of the naan bread.

Chickpea Salad: For a burst of freshness, try a zesty chickpea salad. Tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a squeeze of lemon, this vibrant salad adds a crunchy, tangy element that pairs wonderfully with the warm, garlicky naan.

Explore These Alternatives to Garlic Naan Bread

Butter Chicken: Dive into the rich and creamy world of butter chicken. This classic Indian dish features tender pieces of chicken simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato and cream sauce. Serve it with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Paneer Tikka: Experience the smoky and flavorful paneer tikka. Cubes of paneer are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then grilled to perfection. This vegetarian delight is perfect as an appetizer or main course, paired with mint chutney and lemon wedges.

Aloo Paratha: Savor the comforting taste of aloo paratha. These stuffed flatbreads are filled with a spiced potato mixture and cooked until golden brown. Enjoy them with a dollop of yogurt or a side of pickle for a hearty meal.

Chana Masala: Indulge in the hearty and nutritious chana masala. This chickpea curry is cooked in a fragrant blend of spices, tomatoes, and onions. Serve it with rice or roti for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Why trust this Garlic Naan Bread Recipe:

This garlic naan bread recipe is a must-try for any home cook. The combination of plain greek yogurt and milk ensures a soft and fluffy texture, while the garlic butter topping adds a burst of flavor. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, even for beginners. Plus, using a cast-iron skillet gives the naan an authentic taste and texture. Trust this recipe for a delicious and satisfying homemade naan bread.

Want to share your experience making this Garlic Naan Bread Recipe or have any tips to enhance the flavors? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How long does it take for the dough to rise?

It takes about an hour for the dough to double in size at room temperature.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the step where you let the yeast mixture sit and bubble, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

What can I use instead of a cast-iron skillet?

If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can use any heavy-bottomed pan or even a non-stick skillet. Just make sure it's hot before you start cooking the naan.

Can I freeze the cooked naan?

Yes, you can freeze cooked naan. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Reheat in a skillet or oven when you're ready to eat them.