Create restaurant-quality garlic naan in your own kitchen with this easy garlic naan recipe. Using a cast iron skillet, this homemade garlic naan will get an attractive golden-black char and a nice fluff. Enjoy dipping your skillet garlic naan into your favorite curries and hearty stews.

Have you ever regretted biting into a seemingly enticing “garlic naan” at a fancy restaurant only to discover it’s just plain naan slapped with a touch of garlic butter? Sounds familiar? We are on the same page then. It’s time to unveil the real deal – a homemade garlic naan recipe that will make this Indian delicacy a staple in your weekly repertoire.

What’s the secret? It’s all about making garlic an essential part of naan’s DNA by weaving minced garlic into the dough itself. Adding garlic to naan dough enhances its flavor and texture, resulting in an irresistibly buttery, garlicky, and light bread that differs from the stiff, chewy naans served in restaurants.

And there’s more to it! Tangy yogurt jumps into the mix, adding a layer of zing that complements garlic’s richness. Say hello to the naan of your dreams – buttery, garlicky, and irresistibly light.

What is Garlic Naan?

Garlic naan is a popular bread in Indian cuisine. It’s a variation of traditional naan, a leavened flatbread typically made from flour and cooked in a tandoor (clay oven). Garlic naan has a distinct taste due to the addition of minced garlic and other spices infused into the naan dough.

Traditionally, naan is cooked by slapping the dough onto the walls of a tandoor. This is where it adheres and bakes quickly in high heat. This method gives the bread its characteristic charred and blistered appearance. However, this simple garlic naan recipe takes a modern twist. Instead of a tandoor or oven, it cooks the garlic naan in a cast iron skillet, achieving the same characteristic char and blistered appearance.

Easy Garlic Naan Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour – The base of garlic naan is made from all-purpose flour. It provides the structure and texture you want in a soft, fluffy flatbread.

Yogurt – Tangy yogurt adds moisture, tenderness, and a hint of acidity that complements the garlic flavor. The live cultures in yogurt also contribute to the naan’s leavening, making it soft and pillowy.

Oil – Oil contributes to the naan’s softness. It also helps to create a tender dough that’s easier to work with.

Minced Garlic – This is where the magic happens! Finely minced fresh garlic is incorporated into the dough, infusing every bite with that wonderful garlicky aroma and flavor.

Baking Powder – Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the naan puff up and become light and airy as it cooks.

Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the naan and balances the sweetness of the flour and yogurt.

Sugar – A small amount of sugar helps activate the yeast and aids in fermentation, leading to a well-risen dough.

Yeast – Yeast makes the dough rise and gives the naan its soft and fluffy texture.

Warm Milk – It adds richness to your garlic naan. It activates the yeast while contributing a wonderful creamy taste to the dough. It also works harmoniously with the yogurt and oil to make your naan irresistibly soft and flavorful.

Butter – Butter is used in the dough and for brushing the cooked naan. It contributes richness and flavor to the bread.

Fresh Cilantro (Optional) – Chopped fresh cilantro can be added to the dough for extra freshness and flavor.

How To Make the Best Garlic Naan At Home

Add warm milk, sugar, and yeast to a bowl.

Mix the ingredients well and let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

This time allows the yeast to activate and create that foamy rise.

Add room-temperature yogurt, all-purpose flour, and baking powder and gently mix everything.

Add baking powder, cornstarch, grated garlic, oil, and salt to the yeast mixture.

Gently stir the ingredients with your hands until they form a shaggy dough.

Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes, pulling it away from the sides of the bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or flour if needed.

After kneading, oil your hands and gently pat the dough. Let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.

Once risen, knead the dough again for 1 to 2 minutes.

Divide the dough into 16 equal portions and roll them into dough balls. Sprinkle flour on your work surface to prevent sticking.

Roll out each dough ball using a rolling pin, aiming for an ideal thickness that’s neither paper-thin nor overly thick.

Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and cook the rolled-out dough on both sides until fluffy and golden-brown circles appear.

Once the naan has been cooked, brush it with a mixture of butter, garlic, and cilantro.

Serve immediately and savor the flavors.

Garlic Naan FAQs

What to serve with garlic naan?

Lamb Stew

The marriage of tender lamb and aromatic spices unfolds beautifully alongside your naan while giving you a much-deserved protein dose. The naan’s softness contrasts with the rich, hearty goodness of the lamb stew, offering a delightful combination that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. The naan’s ability to soak up stew flavors makes every bite a masterpiece of flavor harmony.

Butter Chicken

Ah, the beloved butter chicken – a dish that needs no introduction. Pairing it with Easy Garlic Naan takes your meal to new heights. The naan becomes the perfect vessel to scoop up the creamy, butter-based tomato sauce, ensuring no drop of that delectable goodness goes to waste.

Lentil Soup

Pair your garlic naan with hearty lentil soup for a cozy and wholesome vegetarian feast. The naan’s softness complements the soup’s earthy flavors, and its chewy texture adds a delightful contrast to the creamy soup consistency.

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?

While all-purpose flour yields the classic naan texture, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a denser consistency. Remember that whole wheat flour requires more moisture, so adjust accordingly.

Can I make naan without a cast iron skillet?

A cast iron skillet gives the naan that irresistible char; however, a non-stick pan can also be used to make this garlic naan recipe. You can even use a griddle or a tawa if that’s what you have. Ensure your cooking surface is preheated and ready to work its magic.

My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong?

Several factors could be at play here. Check the yeast – if it didn’t bloom, it might be expired. Also, ensure the milk is at the right temperature (around 110°F or 43°C) to encourage yeast activation. Lastly, give the dough enough time to rise in a warm and cozy environment, like inside a slightly preheated oven.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Certainly! You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to create a naan that caters to dietary restrictions. The gluten-free dough might be different to work with, so consistency adjustments are necessary.