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Soft Fluffy Homemade Garlic Naan Bread

soft fluffy homemade garlic naan bread - featured image

This soft, fluffy homemade garlic naan bread recipe is quick and easy, featuring a tender dough enriched with yogurt and topped with fresh garlic butter. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or alongside your favorite curries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • ¼ cup (60 g) plain yogurt, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted ghee
  • 1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, yogurt, and olive oil or melted ghee. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare garlic butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro or parsley in a small bowl. Set aside.
  6. Divide and roll: Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball, then roll out on floured surface into an oval or tear-drop shape about ¼ inch thick.
  7. Cook the naan: Heat cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes per side until bubbles form and light char marks appear.
  8. Brush with garlic butter: Remove naan from pan and immediately brush generously with garlic butter mixture. Repeat with remaining dough.
  9. Serve warm: Stack naan on a plate and cover with a clean towel to keep warm until serving.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Keep pan hot to achieve puff and char. Brush garlic butter immediately after cooking to keep naan moist. Dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours after first rise. For gluten-free, substitute with almond flour but texture will vary.

Nutrition

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