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The Best Soft & Fluffy Homemade Garlic Naan Bread (Easy Skillet Recipe, No Tandoor Needed)

Close-up, appetizing shot of freshly made naan bread brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with green herbs.
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Make restaurant-style soft, fluffy, and buttery garlic naan bread at home using a simple skillet method. This easy naan recipe uses basic ingredients and delivers incredible texture perfect for pairing with curries or making naan pizza.

Ingredients

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  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • For Garlic Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For Garlic Butter: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • For Garlic Butter: 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Pour the yeast mixture, yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Divide and rest: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, cover them loosely, and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  7. Prepare the garlic butter: While the dough rests, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
  8. Cook the naan: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Do not add oil to the pan.
  9. Shape the naan: Take one dough ball and roll it out into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
  10. Cook on the skillet: Place one rolled naan onto the hot, dry skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the underside has brown spots.
  11. Flip and char: Flip the naan. Cook the second side for about 1 minute until browned. For extra charring, you can briefly place the cooked side directly over a low gas flame using tongs (if you have a gas stove).
  12. Brush with butter: Immediately transfer the cooked naan to a plate. Brush generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture.
  13. Serve: Repeat with the remaining dough balls, stacking the cooked naan and brushing each layer with butter. Serve warm with your favorite curry or dip.

Notes

  • If your kitchen is cold, place the dough bowl inside your oven with just the light on to create a warm environment for rising.
  • For a quick naan pizza base, cook the naan slightly less on the skillet, then top with sauce and cheese and finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
  • If you prefer a plain naan bread, skip the garlic and cilantro in the butter mixture and use plain melted butter instead.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/easy-homemade-naan-bread-soft-fluffy-recipe/