HOMEMADE GARLIC NAAN

Hey friends, let’s talk about garlic naan! This isn’t just any bread—it’s soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden with a garlicky, buttery topping. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, naan is an iconic flatbread that pairs beautifully with curries, but it’s also incredible on its own. The good news? You don’t need a tandoor to make it at home. I’ve tried and tested this quick garlic naan bread recipe to bring you the same delicious flavors from scratch, right in your kitchen.

And the best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute cravings. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special—and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought naan again!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2 (easily scalable for more)

Difficulty Level: Super easy. Beginner-friendly!

Equipment Needed:

• An oven (or a cast iron skillet for stovetop cooking)
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush (or a spoon to spread that buttery topping)

Make-Ahead Options: The dough can be prepped and refrigerated a day in advance. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought naan and jazz it up with the garlic butter topping—quick garlic naan bread at its best!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this garlic naan recipe from scratch:

• 2 naan dough pieces (150g each; 300g total)No time to make dough? Use store-bought for an easy shortcut.
• 2 tablespoons butter, meltedFor an extra-rich flavor, use ghee instead of butter.
• 3 cloves garlic, finely choppedFresh garlic is a must for the topping—it’s what gives the naan its bold, fragrant flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, choppedNot a cilantro fan? Swap it for parsley or skip it altogether.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a piping hot 250°C (480°F). Why so hot? Because naan bread needs that intense heat to puff up and get those beautiful golden brown spots. Think of it as mimicking a traditional tandoor oven. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping

This is where the flavor magic happens. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl—microwave or stovetop, your choice. Add the finely chopped garlic and cilantro. Give it a good stir so the garlic infuses the butter, creating that mouthwatering aroma. The result? A buttery, garlicky topping that elevates the naan from simple bread to an unforgettable dish.

Pro Tip: For an even bolder flavor, lightly sauté the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds before mixing in the cilantro.

3. Get the Naan Ready

Place your naan dough (or pre-made naan) on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the surface of each piece. Use a pastry brush if you have one—it makes the job quick and even. No brush? A spoon works just fine.

What to aim for: Make sure every inch of the naan is coated. The butter mixture is what gives it that glossy, golden top and aromatic garlic flavor.

4. Bake the Naan

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 6 minutes. Here’s what to watch for:

• The edges should turn golden brown.
• The naan will puff up slightly, and you might even see little bubbles forming on the surface.

If you like your naan with a crispier edge, leave it in for an extra minute or two. For softer naan, pull it out as soon as it starts to puff.

Texture Check: When done, the naan should feel soft but have a slight chewiness, with crispy edges for contrast.

5. Optional Broil for Extra Char

If you want to replicate the slightly charred effect of a tandoor, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 30-60 seconds. Keep a close eye—it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

6. Serve and Savor

Carefully take the naan out of the oven and let it cool for just a minute—long enough to handle but still warm. Serve it up with your favorite curry, a tangy yogurt dip, or even a dollop of butter on top for indulgence.

Final Touch: Sprinkle a bit more chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips for Success:

• Timing is key: Keep an eye on the naan while it bakes—it cooks quickly in a hot oven!
• Texture cues: Puffy spots? Golden edges? That’s when you know it’s ready.
• Reheating tip: If you’re reheating leftovers, a hot skillet or oven works wonders to revive that soft yet slightly crispy texture.

Variations & Customization

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to make the dough.
• Vegan: Swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil.

Spice It Up:

• Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

Fancy It Up:

• Want to impress? Brush the naan with herb-infused butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking.

Everyday Adjustments:

• No cilantro? No problem. Parsley or chives make excellent substitutes.

Serving & Storage

Plating Suggestions:

These naans are showstoppers! Stack them up on a wooden board and serve with bowls of curry, chutneys, or hummus.

Storage Tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They’ll stay fresh for 1-2 days.

Reheating Tips:

• Reheat in a hot skillet or oven to bring back the softness and crisp edges. Avoid microwaving—they tend to lose their texture.

Freezing Guidance:

• You can freeze the baked naan. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This homemade Indian naan delivers restaurant-quality results without the need for a tandoor. The secret? High heat, a generous garlic butter topping, and a little love in every step. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought naan, this recipe guarantees soft and fluffy naan bread with a flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Ready to give it a try? Go on, bake this garlic naan and make your next meal unforgettable. And remember—good food is always better when shared, so invite your family or friends to enjoy this with you!

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