The Best Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe: Homemade Fluffy Flatbread

Crispy, golden artisan garlic naan beckons with its irresistible aroma and rustic charm.

Fragrant herbs dance across its surface, promising a culinary adventure.

Small bakeries in northern India perfected this delectable bread over generations.

Skilled hands stretch and slap the dough against hot tandoor walls, creating bubbled edges and smoky whispers.

Each bite promises a journey through traditional spices and contemporary flavors.

Warm, pillowy textures invite you to tear and share this delightful companion to countless dishes.

Savor every morsel and let the garlic-infused magic transport you.

Directions For Artisan Garlic Naan

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Grab a small bowl and combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.

Let the mixture sit quietly until it becomes frothy and bubbly, which signals the yeast is ready to work its delicious magic.

Step 2: Mix Dough Foundations

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Yeast mixture
• Plain yogurt
• Olive oil
• Minced fresh garlic

Stir everything together until a soft, shaggy dough emerges.

Step 3: Knead with Passion

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Use your hands to knead the dough energetically for 5-7 minutes.

The dough should transform into a smooth, elastic ball that feels silky and relaxed.

Step 4: Allow First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel.

Let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape Naan Portions

Gently deflate the risen dough.

Divide it into 4-6 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a soft, round ball.

Step 6: Rest Dough Balls

Arrange the dough balls on a floured surface.

Cover with a damp cloth and let them relax for 15-20 minutes.

Step 7: Craft Garlic Butter

• Melted butter
• Finely chopped garlic
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Step 8: Cook Naan Perfection

Roll each dough ball into a 6-7 inch oval shape.

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes per side until golden spots appear and it puffs beautifully.

Step 9: Finish with Flavor

Immediately brush the hot naan with the prepared garlic butter.

Serve warm and enjoy the aromatic, soft goodness.

Naan Tips For Artisan Garlic Goodness

• Ensure water is warm (110-115°F) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a light, airy texture.
• Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which creates a stretchy, soft naan with beautiful air pockets.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle to achieve even, golden-brown spots without burning the naan.
• Experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or add seeds like nigella or sesame for unique taste profiles.
• Wrap cooled naan in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating briefly on a skillet to restore softness.

Storing Artisan Garlic Naan for Later Use

• Store leftover naan in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stack with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual naan in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for maximum freshness.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed naan in a hot skillet for 30-45 seconds per side. Restore crispy edges and soft interior quickly.
• For quick reheating, place naan on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

What Goes With Garlic Naan

• Pair Perfectly with Aromatic Curries: Rich, spicy Indian curries like butter chicken or lamb rogan josh complement the garlic naan's robust flavor and soft texture.
• Enhance with Cooling Raita: Serve alongside a cucumber-yogurt raita to balance the garlic's intensity and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm naan.
• Match with Bold Red Wines: Choose a medium-bodied red like Syrah or Grenache to stand up to the naan's garlicky profile and provide a sophisticated dining experience.
• Accompany with Herb-Infused Dips: Create a Mediterranean-style spread with tzatziki, hummus, or a fresh herb-based dip that highlights the naan's garlic undertones.

Homemade Styles of Artisan Garlic Naan

• Gluten-Free Naan: Replace wheat flour with a blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Garlic Naan: Swap yogurt with coconut yogurt and use plant-based butter or olive oil for dairy-free alternative.
• Whole Wheat Herb Naan: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and add dried thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Naan: Create a base using riced cauliflower, eggs, and cheese as a keto-friendly bread replacement.

FAQs

• What makes yeast bloom important in this recipe?

Blooming yeast activates it and ensures your naan will rise properly. This step helps create a light, fluffy texture by allowing yeast to wake up and become active before mixing with other ingredients.

• Why use yogurt in naan dough?

Yogurt adds moisture and helps create a softer, more tender naan. It also contributes to the bread’s tangy flavor and helps make the dough more pliable and easier to roll out.

• How do I know if I've kneaded the dough enough?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and spring back when you poke it. After 5-7 minutes of kneading, the texture will change from rough and sticky to smooth and cohesive.

• Can I make naan without a skillet?

While a skillet works best, you can use a griddle or a heavy-bottomed pan. The key is to have a surface that can get very hot and cook the naan quickly, creating those signature golden brown spots.

Reasons Artisan Garlic Naan Elevates Any Meal

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Artisan naan transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality bread with minimal effort.
• Speedy Satisfaction: Prep and cooking take under 2 hours, making this recipe perfect for spontaneous bread cravings without complex techniques.
• Flavor-Packed Performance: Garlic and cilantro infuse every bite with incredible aromatic depth, elevating this bread from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serves as a stunning side dish for curries, a base for quick pizzas, or a delicious standalone snack that appeals to all ages.

Dough and Flavor in Garlic Naan

• All-Purpose Flour: Base of the naan, provides structure and texture for the bread.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast development in the dough.

• Warm Water: Activates and helps yeast bloom for proper fermentation.
• Plain Yogurt: Adds moisture, tenderness, and slight tanginess to the naan.
• Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps create a soft, pliable dough.

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating airy, soft texture.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps with browning and caramelization.
• Minced Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic flavor throughout the naan.
• Cilantro: Optional herb that brings fresh, herbaceous notes to the bread.

• Butter: Creates a rich, golden coating with intense flavor when brushed on hot naan.
• Additional Minced Garlic: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the final brushing stage.

Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Discover pure comfort with this artisan garlic naan, straight from authentic Indian kitchens. Pillowy flatbread brushed with fragrant garlic butter promises a delectable journey that brings warmth and richness to your dining experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons or 7 g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 12 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking together lukewarm liquid, granulated sweetener, and active fermentation agent in a compact vessel. Allow the mixture to transform and become frothy for approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Construct the foundational dough by combining dry wheat powder and crystalline seasoning in a spacious mixing container. Incorporate the activated yeast elixir, tangy cultured dairy, aromatic pressed fat, and finely chopped pungent herb bulbs. Integrate ingredients until a cohesive mass emerges.
3. Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly dusted preparation surface. Manipulate and stretch the mixture through rhythmic pressing and folding motions for 6-8 minutes, developing a supple and resilient texture.
4. Nestle the dough into a lubricated ceramic vessel, drape with a protective cloth, and position in a gentle warmth zone. Allow the dough to expand and mature for roughly 75-90 minutes until its volume doubles.
5. Deflate the risen dough with a gentle compression. Partition the mass into 5-6 symmetrical segments. Shape each portion into smooth, rounded spheres.
6. Grant the dough spheres a brief resting period by covering with a moisture-laden fabric for 15-20 minutes, enabling relaxation of gluten structures.
7. Craft a fragrant butter emulsion by merging liquefied dairy fat, crushed aromatic herb bulbs, and optional verdant herb leaves in a compact preparation dish.
8. Transform each dough sphere into an elongated, asymmetrical shape approximately 6-8 inches in dimension. Utilize a heated culinary surface to sear each naan, achieving golden-brown exterior and pillowy interior within 1-2 minutes per side.
9. Immediately lavish the freshly prepared naan with the prepared herbed butter essence, ensuring maximum flavor absorption and appetizing sheen.

Notes

• Perfectly bloom yeast by using water at exactly 110°F for optimal fermentation and ensuring active, bubbly mixture.
• Work dough on a clean, lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and maintain proper texture without adding excess flour.
• Rest dough balls completely before rolling to relax gluten and create more tender, softer naan with better stretching capabilities.
• Customize garlic intensity by adjusting minced garlic quantity in both dough and butter for personalized flavor profile.
• Swap dairy yogurt with non-dairy alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for vegan-friendly version without compromising texture.
• Use cast iron skillet or griddle for more even heat distribution and authentic charred spots typical of traditional naan.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 203
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 319 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg