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Soft Fluffy Garlic Naan Bread Recipe Easy Homemade Indian Bread Tutorial

soft fluffy garlic naan bread - featured image

This soft fluffy garlic naan bread recipe delivers warm, pillowy naan with a savory garlic punch, perfect for pairing with Indian curries or enjoying as a comforting homemade bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (3g) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp (4g) sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
  • ¼ cup (60g) plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp (6g) salt
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, stir together warm water (around 110°F or 43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the dough: Add plain yogurt, vegetable oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in all-purpose flour about half a cup at a time until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare garlic butter: Melt butter and stir in minced garlic. Set aside.
  6. Divide and shape: Punch down dough, divide into 6 equal portions (~75g each). Roll each into a smooth ball, then flatten into an oval or teardrop shape about ¼ inch (6mm) thick.
  7. Cook the naan: Heat skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Cook each naan for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form and bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook other side 1–2 minutes. Flip once more and press gently for extra char.
  8. Brush with garlic butter: Remove naan from pan and immediately brush generously with garlic butter. Sprinkle chopped cilantro if desired.
  9. Keep warm and serve: Stack naan on a plate covered with a kitchen towel to keep warm while cooking remaining pieces. Serve fresh.

Notes

Use warm water around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it. Do not roll dough too thin to keep naan soft and fluffy. Cook on medium-high heat for signature bubbles and char. Butter with garlic immediately after cooking for best flavor. Dough can be refrigerated overnight and brought to room temperature before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: naan, garlic naan, Indian bread, homemade naan, soft naan, fluffy naan, garlic bread, easy naan recipe