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Easy garlic naan bread on a chopping board.

Easy Homemade Garlic Naan Bread

Soft, fluffy homemade garlic naan bread cooked in a hot skillet and brushed with buttery garlic and fresh herbs. Made with a simple yogurt-enriched yeast dough, this easy naan recipe is perfect for serving with your favorite curries, and there's no tandoor oven required.
5 from 11 votes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Naans

Ingredients

For the naan dough

  • 3 cups 375 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons 6 g instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup 240 ml warm water, approximately 110°F (43°C)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

For the garlic butter

  • 2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Flaky salt, for finishing (optional)

Instructions

  • Activate the yeast. Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and leave for approximately 10 minutes, until the mixture looks foamy.
  • Make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yogurt, oil or ghee, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky.
  • Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Divide and shape. Gently deflate the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval approximately 8 inches long. Keep the remaining dough covered while you work to prevent it from drying out.
  • Cook the naan. Heat a lightly greased cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Place one naan in the hot skillet and cook for approximately 1 minute, until bubbles appear and the underside develops golden-brown spots. Flip and cook for another minute, until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining dough.
  • Finish with garlic butter. Mix the minced garlic with the melted butter. Brush generously over each naan while still warm, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and a little flaky salt, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour, but blooming it in warm water first also works and confirms that the yeast is active. Make sure the water isn't too hot, as excessive heat can damage the yeast.
  • Dough consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky after kneading. Avoid adding too much extra flour, which can make the naan dense and dry.
  • Cooking temperature: Make sure the skillet is properly heated before adding the dough. The naan should develop bubbles and golden spots quickly without drying out. Adjust the heat if it browns too quickly.
  • Keep the naan soft: Stack the cooked naan on a plate and cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel while cooking the remaining pieces.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. Allow it to warm slightly before shaping and cooking.
  • Storing and freezing: Store cooled naan in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or 4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze for up to 3 months, separating each naan with parchment paper.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 30–60 seconds per side, or until heated through. Brush with a little extra garlic butter if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 2mg
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