If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into soft, flavorful bread that’s infused with fragrant garlic and has that perfect char from a hot skillet, you’re in for a treat with this Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe. This recipe brings the warmth and comfort of homemade Indian bakery bread right to your kitchen with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create naan that is pillowy, crispy in just the right spots, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Whether you’re new to naan or a seasoned fan, this Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe will quickly become your go-to for elevating curries, stews, or simply enjoying on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward ingredients is all it takes to make this naan truly shine. Each element plays a crucial role in the dough’s texture, flavor, and final appearance, creating that beloved balance of chewy, soft, and slightly crispy.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough providing structure and softness when kneaded just right.
- 2 teaspoons sugar: A touch of sweetness helps with the dough’s rise and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds lightness, making the naan tender and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside yogurt to give the dough its characteristic lift.
- ¾ cup plain yogurt (room temperature): The secret ingredient that brings moisture and tang, resulting in wonderfully soft naan.
- ¼ cup warm water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.
- 1 tablespoon oil or melted butter (for dough): Adds richness and tenderness to each bite.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing): Brushed on hot naan to impart that irresistible buttery shine and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Infuses incredible aromatic notes—fresh garlic really makes the difference!
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Extra flour for rolling: Keeps the dough manageable and prevents sticking without drying it out.
How to Make Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by mixing all the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda—in a large bowl. These form the structure and flavor base. Then add the room temperature yogurt, warm water, and your choice of oil or melted butter. Stir everything together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Rest
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing gluten, which gives naan its characteristic chewiness. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rest for 1 to 2 hours. This resting period allows the dough to relax and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Shape and Add Garlic
Once rested, divide the dough into six equal balls. Using a floured surface, roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape about ¼ inch thick. After rolling, sprinkle each surface generously with the finely minced garlic, pressing it gently into the dough. This simple step ensures that every bite is bursting with that vibrant garlic flavor that sets this Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe apart.
Step 4: Cook the Naan
Heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling hot—this heat is what creates those signature naan bubbles and brown spots. Place the rolled dough garlic side up in the skillet and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, until bubbles start appearing and the bottom has brown spots. Flip the naan and cook the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes. Right after cooking, brush the naan generously with melted butter to lock in moisture and add that signature richness. If using, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a lovely herbal finish.
Step 5: Optional Flame Finish
For an even more authentic experience, after skillet cooking, hold the naan briefly over an open flame (using tongs) to create slight charred spots that add smoky flavor and texture. This step perfectly mimics traditional tandoor-cooked naan for an elevated finish.
How to Serve Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of fresh cilantro enhances the visual appeal and adds brightness to the buttery, garlicky naan. You can also finish with a sprinkle of nigella seeds or a light drizzle of garlic-infused oil for extra flair. Simple garnishes keep the naan’s natural flavor front and center, making every bite delightful.
Side Dishes
This Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe pairs perfectly with a wide array of Indian dishes. Think creamy butter chicken, spicy chana masala, or rich paneer tikka masala. It also shines alongside vegetable curries, lentil dals, or even as a stand-in wrap for your favorite grilled meats and veggies. The naan’s irresistible garlic flavor elevates every meal it joins.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the naan stacked in a basket lined with a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm and soft at the table. Alternatively, cut the naan into wedges and arrange them on a platter around small bowls of dipping sauces such as raita, mango chutney, or tamarind sauce. Using naan as a base for mini pizzas or topped with cheese and herbs also provides fun and tasty variations to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover naan, store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the texture soft, avoid refrigeration, which can dry it out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover naan by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm from frozen.
Reheating
To bring naan back to life, reheat it in a hot skillet for a minute or two on each side, or wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread rubbery. A quick reheat restores that fresh-from-the-skillet softness and buttery aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the yogurt?
You can try using sour cream or buttermilk as alternatives, but plain yogurt gives naan its unique tenderness and tang. For the best result, stick with full-fat plain yogurt at room temperature.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A heavy-bottomed nonstick or stainless steel pan works well too, as long as it gets sufficiently hot to develop the signature bubbles and spots on the naan. Just be sure it’s hot enough before cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize, substitute yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use oil instead of butter for both the dough and brushing. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
About ¼ inch thick is ideal. Rolling the dough too thin will result in a crispier naan, while thicker dough stays softer but takes a little longer to cook through.
Why is resting the dough important?
Resting allows the gluten to relax and the dough to rise slightly, leading to softer, more pliable naan with better flavor development. It’s a crucial step for achieving authentic texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you are as excited as I am for you to try this Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe. It’s truly a joy to make from scratch, with ingredients you probably already have, and the results are spectacular every time. This naan elevates any meal with its soft texture and the wonderful aroma of garlic and butter. Once you experience the satisfaction of homemade naan, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 naan
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan is a traditional Indian flatbread infused with fresh garlic and finished with melted butter and cilantro. Soft, slightly chewy, and cooked perfectly on a hot skillet, this naan is ideal for serving alongside curries, stews, or using as a flavorful wrap. The dough is made with yogurt and a blend of leavening agents to achieve an airy texture.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup plain yogurt (room temperature)
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon oil or melted butter (for dough)
Toppings
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Extra flour for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the plain yogurt, warm water, and oil or melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5–6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten for a tender yet chewy texture.
- Let the Dough Rest: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 1–2 hours. This resting period allows the dough to relax and slightly rise, enhancing softness.
- Divide and Shape Dough: After resting, divide the dough into 6 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape approximately ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle each piece evenly with the finely minced garlic and gently press the garlic into the dough’s surface to adhere.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it is very hot. Heating the pan thoroughly is crucial to achieving the characteristic naan bubbles and light charring.
- Cook the Naan: Place a piece of naan, garlic side up, onto the hot skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbles begin to form and the underside shows brown spots. Flip carefully and cook the other side for an additional 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Finish with Butter and Cilantro: Remove the cooked naan from the skillet and immediately brush generously with melted butter. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for added freshness and aroma.
- Repeat: Continue the process with the remaining dough balls until all naan are cooked. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For an even more authentic texture and lightly charred flavor, briefly cook each naan over an open flame after skillet cooking.
- Serve warm naan alongside your favorite curry, stew, or use it as a flavorful wrap bread.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt thinned with a little water if preferred.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated before cooking each naan to prevent sticking and achieve ideal blistering.
