Garlic Naan is a soft, pillowy flatbread infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. This Indian classic is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, but can easily be made at home using a skillet or oven.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to curries, stews, or enjoyed on its own as a delicious snack.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Garlic Naan warm, brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with rich dishes like Grilled Tandoori Chicken Wings with Mango-Chile Raita or Braised Mediterranean Chicken.
For a lighter option, enjoy it with a side of Cucumber Ribbon Salad or Chickpea, Arugula, and Pita Bread Salad.
Tips and Notes
- Dough: Allow the naan dough to rest and rise properly for the best texture. A longer rise time will yield softer bread.
- Cooking: Cook the naan on high heat for a short time to achieve those characteristic bubbles and a charred flavor. A cast-iron skillet or a pizza stone works well if you don’t have a tandoor.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also add herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
- Storage: Store any leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy the soft and flavorful Garlic Naan as a delightful addition to your meal!
Garlic Naan
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons garlic - minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro - chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter - melted (for brushing)
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the plain yogurt and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one rolled naan in the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
- Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until lightly charred and cooked through. Remove from the pan and brush with melted butter.
- While the naan is still warm, sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped cilantro on top, pressing gently to adhere.
- Repeat the process for the remaining pieces of dough, keeping the cooked naan warm in a towel or in a low oven until ready to serve.
Notes
Naan can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
Feel free to experiment with other toppings, such as grated cheese or sesame seeds, for different variations of naan.