The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread (Printable)

Soft, pillowy Indian flatbread brushed with savory garlic butter. Perfect companion for curries, dals, or enjoyed solo.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 package active dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1 cup warm water
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
07 - 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

→ Garlic Butter Topping

08 - 3 tablespoons minced garlic
09 - 2 tablespoons melted butter

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
02 - Add flour, salt, yogurt, and oil or ghee to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
03 - Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
05 - Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into an oval or tear-drop shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
06 - Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
07 - Place one naan in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
08 - Remove from the skillet and immediately brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.
09 - Repeat with remaining dough portions. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in about half an hour, which means you can start dinner late and still impress everyone.
  • The dough is forgiving and doesn't demand perfection, so even if your shapes look odd, they taste incredible.
  • That garlic butter soak transforms simple flatbread into something people ask you to make again and again.
02 -
  • If your yeast doesn't foam after ten minutes, the water was either too hot or too cold, toss it and start fresh.
  • Rolling the dough too thin makes the naan crispy instead of soft, aim for that quarter inch thickness and you'll get the chew you want.
03 -
  • Keep a small bowl of water nearby while rolling, damp hands prevent sticking without adding extra flour that toughens the dough.
  • Don't skip the damp towel over the rising dough, it keeps the surface from drying out and forming a crust that fights the rise.
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