Easy Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe

Welcome to the world of easy homemade Garlic Naan Recipe, where creating this irresistible bread is as simple as it is rewarding. Crispy, soft, and fluffy, reminiscent of the naan you’d find in your favourite restaurant. This recipe promises to bring the authentic flavours of India right into your kitchen.

Among the myriad of flatbreads in Indian cuisine, naan reigns as the king, beloved by all. Today, we’re excited to share our take on this classic with a garlic-infused twist. Traditionally baked in hot Tandoor ovens with charcoal or wood fire, our recipe has been adapted to be cooked right in your oven, ensuring that anyone can enjoy the magic of homemade naan.

We’ve perfected the combination of yogurt and oil to achieve that addictive softness and fluffiness that defines a great naan. As you watch them puff up into glorious breads right before your eyes, you’ll be amazed at how quick and easy it is to create these pillowy delights.

Once you’ve tried our homemade garlic naan, it’s sure to become your new favourite yeast bread recipe, perfect for pairing with comforting curries, vegetable or enjoying on its own as a appetiser. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your flour, and let’s dive into the joy of homemade naan and savour the authentic flavours.

What is Naan and It’s Origin?

Naan, a type of flatbread, is a staple in Indian cuisine and beyond, renowned for its versatility and delicious taste. Thought to originate from the Persian word nân-e sangak, meaning “bread baked on [hot] pebbles. Naan can be leavened or unleavened, often flavoured with herbs and spices such as coriander and chilli. Traditionally brushed with butter or ghee, Naan is served hot, accompanying curries and other Indian dishes.

Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations of the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, where it was cherished by elites and nobility. Records suggest its first mention around 1300 AD by Amir Kashrau, an Indo-Persian poet, scholar, and musician residing in Delhi. Over centuries, Naan evolved, finding its way into the royal kitchens of the Mughal Emperors in the sixteenth century. Cooked in clay ovens known as tandoors, Naan gains its characteristic charred sections and crispy edges, adding to its allure and timeless appeal. Today, this delectable flatbread continues to delight palates worldwide, serving as a testament to its enduring legacy and widespread appeal.

Though delightful on its own, the subtle taste of Naan makes it an ideal accompaniment to bolder-flavoured dishes. Unlike bread meant for slicing, Naan is best torn by hand, allowing its soft texture to absorb curries and sauces effortlessly.

Ingredients Used to Make Easy Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe:

To make Naan, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients:

1. Flour: All-purpose flour works just fine for naan. The difference in texture between the bread flour and all purpose is minimal, so there’s no need for a special trip to the supermarket if you don’t have bread flour on hand.
2. Yeast: Opt for instant or rapid-rise yeast. While standard active or dry yeast can also be used, instant yeast yields slightly fluffier Naan compared to other types.
3. Salt: Enhance the flavour of the Naan dough with a pinch of salt.
4. Sugar: helps activate the yeast.
5. Yoghurt: Essential for a soft and tender texture, yoghurt also adds a subtle tanginess to the dough.
6. Water: Used to bring the dough together and achieve the desired consistency, use warm water. The water should be slightly warmer than lukewarm, but not boiling hot, as it helps activate the yeast.
7. Olive Oil or ghee: Incorporating oil/ghee into the dough helps maintain moisture and tenderness while enhancing overall flavour.

How to Make Easy Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe:

MAKE THE DOUGH

While I prefer using my electric stand mixer for making naan dough, you can certainly do everything by hand.

• Begin by combining the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Then, using a dough hook on medium speed, incorporate the yoghurt, olive oil, and warm water to form a shaggy dough. The water should be slightly warmer than lukewarm to activate the yeast effectively without being boiling hot.
• Continue mixing on medium speed, kneading the dough until it becomes soft and smooth to the touch. This process typically takes about 7-8 minutes when using the stand mixer.
• Alternatively, transfer the dough onto a clean work surface and knead it by hand for approximately 5 minutes.
• Once kneaded, place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, tightly cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, usually around 90 minutes to 2 hours.

SHAPE THE DOUGH

• After the dough has risen, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 or 10 equal portions. Depending upon the size of naan you want.
• Shape each portion into a ball, cover them with a towel, and leave them to rest for 30 minutes.
• On the floured surface, spread the garlic mixture and gently roll out each dough ball, adding more flour on top as needed to prevent sticking. (add as little dough as possible). Roll them thinly, aiming for a diameter of about 6 inches.
• Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

BAKE THE NAAN

• Preheat the oven at 280ºC.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 3-4 minutes until the naan puffs up and the edges start to turn light brown.
• Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and generously coat the naan with butter or ghee.
• Proceed to bake the remaining naan in the same manner.
• As the naan cools, it will naturally deflate. Serve the naan hot for the best enjoyment.

What to Serve With These Easy Homemade Garlic Naan:

Naan bread is undeniably versatile, serving as the perfect vehicle for scooping up and savouring the rich sauces of classic Indian curries like Easy Palak Paneer Recipe, Dhaba Style Paneer and Authentic Gatte ki Sabji. It’s the ultimate companion to these flavourful dishes, adding a delightful texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.

But let’s not overlook its potential as a wrap! Picture tender pieces of Tandoori Broccoli Steak and Paneer with Yoghurt Chutney nestled inside warm naan bread, accompanied by a vibrant Moong Sprout Salad with Date Dressing and refreshing Coriander Chutney. It packs flavour and satisfaction, all conveniently wrapped up in one complete meal.

Yet, there’s something truly irresistible about enjoying naan bread all on its own. Whether it’s straight out of the skillet, slathered with butter, or simply enjoyed cold or reheated, the sheer deliciousness of naan shines through in every bite.

Naan is so incredibly versatile and delicious that you’ll find yourself enjoying it in countless ways. Once you experience its heavenly taste and texture, you’ll be hooked for life. So go ahead, give it a try – I guarantee you won’t be able to resist coming back for more!

How to Proof Dough

To proof dough, create a warm environment to activate the yeast and facilitate rising. If your home lacks warmth, consider these options:

• Place the dough in the oven with the oven light turned on (this method is suitable for certain oven models).
• Alternatively, place the dough in the oven with a tray of boiling water on the bottom shelf. Use approximately 1 litre of water, and replenish it after about 1 hour.
• Another option is to proof the dough in the oven or a steamer oven at a low temperature, around 25-40°C (77-104°F).

How to Store Leftover Naan:

Fridge: Keep the leftover naan in an airtight container or wrap a zip seal bag. Before storing it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When ready to eat, dab with little water and reheat it in the oven. Or on the stove top, or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezer: For longer storage, place them in freezer-safe ziplock bag. Freeze it for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the naan in the refrigerator overnight. Then dab with little water and reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on our blog let us know how liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more amazing recipes!!

Easy Homemade Garlic Naan

Serves: Makes 8-10 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 5 voted )

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Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dry active yeast 
• 1 tbsp olive oil 
• 2 tbsp yoghurt, room temperature
• 1 cup warm water 

For the Topping 

• 5-6 garlic cloves, finely chopped 
• 2-3 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves 
• 1 tsp onion seeds (kalonji)

method

Prepare the Dough:

1. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
   2. Add yoghurt, olive oil, and warm water.
   3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
   4. Knead the dough until soft and smooth.

Let the Dough Rise:

1. 1. 1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
      2. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Shape the Naan:

• 1. 1. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions.
     2. Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for 30 minutes.
     3. On the floured surface, spread the garlic mixture and gently roll out each dough ball, adding more flour on top as needed to prevent sticking. (add as little dough as possible). Roll them thinly, aiming for a diameter of about 6 inches.
     4. Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

Bake the Naan:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 280ºC.
  2. Place the rolled-out naan on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the centre of the oven. 
  3. Bake for 3-4 minutes until puffed up and lightly browned.

Serve:

• • 1. Remove from oven and brush with butter or ghee.
    2. Serve hot alongside your favourite curries or enjoy on its own as a snack.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you did, take a picture and tag me on Instagram at @poetryofspices!