The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread
The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread is a delightful addition to any meal. This soft and buttery Indian bread is infused with garlic, making it an irresistible side for curries and other dishes. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this naan recipe stands out with its simplicity and authentic flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make this delicious bread right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these naans in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter gives this naan an amazing taste that pairs perfectly with your favorite dishes.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy Garlic Naan as a side for curry, as a wrap for sandwiches, or even topped with your favorite ingredients for a quick pizza.
- Homemade Goodness: Making naan at home means you control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Tools and Preparation
To make The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread, you’ll need some essential tools to help you in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
- Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps achieve the perfect thickness for your naan, ensuring even cooking.
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan: These provide excellent heat retention and ensure that your naan cooks evenly on all sides.
- Pastry brush: Perfect for applying melted butter on your naan right after cooking for that extra flavor boost.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (0.25 oz active dry yeast or instant yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
For the Garlic Topping
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley
How to Make The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, yogurt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Let It Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth.
- Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Naans
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into eight equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into an oval shape using a rolling pin.
Step 4: Cook the Naans
- Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place one naan on the skillet and cook for about 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on top.
- Flip it over and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter
- Brush each cooked naan with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Enjoy your homemade The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread warm alongside your favorite dishes!
How to Serve The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread
Garlic Naan is versatile and can elevate any meal. Whether you are enjoying it with a comforting curry or as part of a vibrant spread, there are countless ways to serve this delightful bread.
With Your Favorite Curry
- Butter Chicken – The rich and creamy sauce complements the soft naan perfectly.
- Chickpea Masala – A hearty vegan option that pairs beautifully with garlic naan.
- Paneer Tikka Masala – This cheesy dish goes hand in hand with the flavorful naan.
As an Appetizer
- Hummus Dip – Use garlic naan to scoop up smooth and creamy hummus for a tasty start.
- Spicy Lentil Soup – Dipping naan into warm soup adds texture and flavor.
For a Unique Pizza
- Naan Pizza – Top your garlic naan with cheese, veggies, or meats for a quick pizza fix.
With a Fresh Salad
- Greek Salad – The refreshing taste of salad balances out the richness of the naan.
How to Perfect The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread
Making perfect garlic naan takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
- Use Warm Water – This activates the yeast better, leading to softer bread.
- Knead Well – A good kneading technique develops gluten, ensuring a chewy texture.
- Let it Rise – Allowing the dough to rest helps it become light and airy.
- Cook on High Heat – Cooking at high temperatures gives naan those lovely charred spots.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread
Garlic naan is best enjoyed with a variety of side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Tandoori Chicken – Juicy and spiced chicken that pairs well with the garlicky notes of naan.
- Dal Makhani – Creamy black lentils that offer a comforting contrast to the bread’s texture.
- Aloo Gobi – Spiced potatoes and cauliflower provide a flavorful vegetarian option.
- Raita – A cooling yogurt dip that balances spicy dishes effortlessly.
- Palak Paneer – Spinach and cheese dish that’s rich and pairs nicely with naan for dipping.
- Cucumber Salad – Refreshing and crisp, this salad complements the richness of garlic naan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making garlic naan bread can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to stumble into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- yeast issues: Using expired yeast can prevent your naan from rising properly. Always check the expiration date and store yeast in a cool, dry place.
- incorrect temperature: If the water is too hot or too cold, it can kill the yeast or fail to activate it. Aim for 110°F when mixing with yeast.
- skipping resting time: Not allowing the dough to rest can lead to tough naan. Let it rise until it doubles in size for the best texture.
- over-kneading: Kneading the dough too long can make it dense and chewy. Aim for a smooth, soft consistency without excessive kneading.
- insufficient garlic: To truly enjoy garlic naan, don’t skimp on minced garlic. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover naan in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread
- Wrap each naan tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped naans in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread
- oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat naan for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- microwave method: Place naan on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 15-20 seconds.
- stovetop method: Heat naan in a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread:
How do I make The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients like yogurt and yeast are also gluten-free.
Can I add herbs to The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread?
Absolutely! You can mix in herbs like rosemary or oregano into the dough for added flavor.
What do I serve with The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread?
Garlic naan pairs wonderfully with curries, stews, or even as a base for homemade pizzas!
How long does it take to make The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.
Can I reheat The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread more than once?
While you can reheat it multiple times, it’s best to only reheat what you will consume at one time to maintain its texture.
Final Thoughts
The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread is not just a side dish; it’s a delightful addition that enhances any meal. Its soft texture combined with rich garlic flavor makes it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize your naan by adding herbs or spices based on your preferences!
The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes 8 servings 1x
Description
The Best Easy Garlic Naan Bread is a mouthwatering addition to any meal, bringing the rich flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. This soft, buttery naan infused with garlic is perfect for scooping up curries, wrapping around grilled meats, or simply enjoying on its own. With a quick preparation time and minimal ingredients, making homemade naan has never been easier. Impress your family and friends at your next dinner gathering or elevate your weeknight meals with this delicious, versatile bread.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix in flour, salt, yogurt, and oil to form a dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval shape.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for about 2–3 minutes on one side until bubbles form; flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush each naan with melted butter mixed with minced garlic before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
