If you have ever dreamed of bringing the rich, buttery, and garlicky flavors of Indian cuisine right into your home kitchen, then this Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Soft, pillowy, and bubbling with fresh garlic and cilantro, this naan is not just a side; it’s an experience that transforms any meal into a festive occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just embarking on your culinary adventures, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and absolutely worth every minute of the wait for that perfect dough rise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its beautifully simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each bringing something vital to the table. From the creamy yogurt that tenderizes the dough to the fresh garlic that infuses the bread with irresistible aroma, every element plays its part in creating that authentic naan taste and texture.
- Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Key for giving the naan its classic leavened, fluffy texture.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Feeds the yeast, helping it activate and work its magic.
- Warm water (½ cup at about 110°F): Perfect temperature to awaken the yeast without harming it.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The base of the dough, providing structure and chew.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds extra lift for softness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the dough.
- Plain whole milk yogurt (½ cup): Tenderizes the dough with its acidity and adds richness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the naan soft and moist.
- Warm milk (¼ cup): Adds subtle creaminess and helps with dough elasticity.
- Melted butter (3 tablespoons): For brushing on hot naan to enrich flavor and give a glossy finish.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4 cloves): The star flavor that gives this bread its irresistible aroma and kick.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (2 tablespoons): Adds a fresh, vibrant green touch and herbaceous note.
How to Make Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. This simple yet essential step wakes up the yeast and ensures your naan will rise beautifully fluffy and light. Give it about 10 minutes until the surface becomes frothy and bubbly, signaling it’s ready to go.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination creates the perfect environment to build your dough’s texture and flavor, lending that unmistakable slightly chewy bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour your frothy yeast mixture along with the yogurt, olive oil, and warm milk into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough begins to form. Each ingredient here is crucial; the yogurt and milk contribute tenderness, while olive oil adds moisture, ensuring a soft final naan.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead energetically for 6 to 8 minutes. This step develops the gluten that gives naan its characteristic chewiness. The dough should become smooth and elastic, slightly tacky but manageable.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Set it somewhere warm to rise for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. This rise creates those signature pockets of air that make naan fluffy and light.
Step 6: Shape the Naan
Once risen, punch the dough down gently and divide it into six equal parts. Roll each into a ball, then flatten on a floured surface into an oval or tear-drop shape about ¼-inch thick. These sizes ensure fast cooking with a soft center and slight charred spots.
Step 7: Cook the Naan
Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook each naan for 1 to 2 minutes on the first side until it bubbles and starts to brown, then flip and cook the other side similarly. This stovetop method mimics the traditional tandoor oven beautifully.
Step 8: Add Garlic Butter and Cilantro
While the naan are still hot, brush generously with melted butter mixed with minced garlic, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro. This finishing touch brings the Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe full circle with a glossy, aromatic, and herbaceous appeal that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to spruce up your naan with a little extra flair—add a sprinkle of nigella seeds or grated cheese just before cooking for a savory twist. A side sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a brush of ghee instead of butter can create subtle flavor changes that elevate the experience even more.
Side Dishes
This naan pairs perfectly with creamy curries like butter chicken, palak paneer, or dal makhani. It’s also fabulous alongside spiced grilled vegetables or even as a wrap for kebabs. The soft garlic bread offers a delicious vehicle for soaking up rich sauces and bold Indian spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, arrange naans on a large platter, garnish with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced red chili for color pop. Serve with small bowls of chutney, yogurt raita, and pickled onions on the side to create an interactive, vibrant feast everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This way, you maintain its softness and avoid drying out, making it simple to enjoy later.
Freezing
To enjoy this artisan garlic naan later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen naan keeps well for up to one month and thaws quickly when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat naan in a hot skillet or oven to restore its soft, fluffy texture and breathe life back into the garlic butter topping. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread rubbery or tough.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, reduce the warm water slightly and add the yeast directly to your dry ingredients. It also reduces the need for proofing, which can save you some time.
Is it possible to make naan without yogurt?
Yogurt helps tenderize the dough and adds flavor, but you can substitute it with sour cream or even buttermilk if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to the point of rising and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. This slow fermentation can even enhance the flavor.
Why does my naan sometimes come out tough?
Tough naan usually results from over-kneading or insufficient moisture. Make sure to knead just until elastic and keep your dough slightly soft rather than dry. Also, don’t skip the yogurt, as it contributes to a softer crumb.
What is the best pan to cook naan on?
A cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan is ideal for cooking naan because it retains and distributes heat evenly, helping you get those nice bubbles and slight char that make the bread so special.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe is truly such a joy to make, and even more rewarding to share. From the first knead to the moment you brush that garlicky butter, you’ll discover how accessible homemade Indian bread can be. So go ahead — roll up those sleeves, bring on the garlic, and invite friends and family to experience the warmth and comfort of fresh, homemade naan. Trust me, once you try it, there’s no turning back!
Print
Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 naan
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan is a classic Indian flatbread cooked on a stovetop skillet to achieve soft, fluffy texture with delightful garlic and cilantro flavors. This homemade recipe uses yogurt and yeast for the perfect rise, making it an ideal side dish to complement curries and other Indian dishes.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup warm milk
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening.
- Make Dough: Add the frothy yeast mixture, plain yogurt, olive oil, and warm milk to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for the right texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Naan: Punch down the risen dough to remove air bubbles. Divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten into an oval or tear-drop shape about ¼-inch thick.
- Cook Naan: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Cook each naan for 1–2 minutes on the first side until bubbles appear, then flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown spots develop.
- Add Garlic Butter and Cilantro: While the naan is still hot, brush it generously with melted butter mixed with minced garlic. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top.
- Serve: Serve the garlic naan warm as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite Indian dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle grated cheese or nigella seeds on the naan before cooking.
- Naan can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture.
