Ingredients
- All-Purpose or Bread Flour: Provides a chewy, soft texture.
- Active Dry or Instant Yeast: Helps the naan rise, giving it a fluffy, airy consistency.
- Garlic: Finely minced garlic adds that distinctive flavor. Brushed on with butter, it infuses each piece with a bold, aromatic touch.
- Yogurt and Oil (or Ghee): Yogurt keeps the dough moist and soft, while oil or ghee adds richness and an authentic taste.
- Cilantro or Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the naan, adding color and fragrance.
- Salt, Sugar, and Warm Water: Essential for balancing flavors and activating the yeast.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own batch of homemade garlic naan with ease:
Start by mixing yeast with sugar and warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, activated yeast mixture, yogurt, oil or ghee, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—this may take about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer. When pressed lightly, the dough should spring back and feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is the secret to soft, airy naan.
Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls (about 8-10, depending on the size you want). Roll each ball into an oval shape on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch for a fluffy yet pliable naan.
Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it. Place a piece of naan dough on the hot skillet. As it cooks, you’ll notice bubbles forming on the surface. When the bottom is golden brown, flip it and cook the other side for about 1-2 minutes. This step gives the naan its characteristic soft, bubbly texture.
While the naan is still warm, brush it generously with melted butter mixed with minced garlic. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.