Garlic Naan Recipe

Soft, fluffy and brushed with rich garlic butter, this garlic naan recipe brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen. Made with yogurt, milk, and yeast, the dough develops a tender texture while fresh garlic adds a savory aroma in every bite. Whether served with butter chicken, paneer curry, dal, or enjoyed on its own, this homemade naan is a delicious addition to any meal. Inspired by traditional naan-making methods and adapted for a stovetop skillet, this recipe creates beautifully golden flatbreads without needing a tandoor oven.

Main Essence of This Dish

The secret to exceptional garlic naan lies in a well-hydrated dough enriched with yogurt and milk. These ingredients create a soft and pillowy texture while helping the bread develop beautiful air pockets during cooking. Fresh garlic mixed into both the dough and butter topping ensures every bite is packed with flavor. A hot skillet mimics the intense heat of a traditional tandoor, giving the naan its signature charred spots and irresistible chew.

Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

For the Naan Dough

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Extra flour for dusting

For the Garlic Butter Topping

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

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How to Make Garlic Naan

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Add the warm milk, yogurt, vegetable oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth, soft, and elastic. Add a little flour only if the dough feels excessively sticky.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Divide and Shape

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 10 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into an oval shape approximately 6 inches long and about 1/8 inch thick.

Step 6: Cook the Naan

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface. Place one naan onto the hot skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles appear on top. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown spots develop. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 7: Prepare Garlic Butter

Mix the melted butter with minced garlic and chopped cilantro. Brush the warm naan generously with the garlic butter mixture immediately after cooking.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve fresh and warm alongside curries, grilled meats, lentil dishes, or use it as a base for wraps and flatbread pizzas.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Naan

• Use fresh yeast for the best rise and fluffy texture.
• A very hot skillet helps create signature bubbles and charred spots.
• Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Keep cooked naan wrapped in a clean towel to retain softness.
• Brush with garlic butter while still warm for maximum flavor absorption.

Serving Suggestions

• Butter Chicken
• Paneer Butter Masala
• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Dal Makhani
• Palak Paneer
• Kadai Chicken
• Vegetable Curry

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Storage Instructions

Allow the naan to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on a skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze plain cooked naan without the garlic butter topping in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before brushing with fresh garlic butter.

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Nutritional Information