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Freshly made Garlic Naan Bread topped with melted butter and chopped cilantro, displayed on parchment paper.
Daniel

Garlic Naan Bread

Soft, pillowy homemade naan blistered in a hot skillet and brushed with garlicky butter for restaurant-quality results without the tandoor.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 46 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 245

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 0.75 cup warm water 105-110 degrees F
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 0.25 cup plain full-fat yogurt room temperature
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for bowl
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
For the Garlic Butter
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 12-inch cast iron skillet or heavy nonstick pan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy on top. If it does not foam, your yeast is dead and you need to start over.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, yogurt, and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky.
  3. Lightly oil a clean bowl, place dough inside, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size. A slightly warm oven with the light on works perfectly.
Shape the naan
  1. Punch down the dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Cover with the damp towel and let rest 15 minutes. This relaxes the gluten so the naan will stretch properly.
  2. Working one at a time, roll each ball into an oval or teardrop about 8 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. Do not roll too thin or the naan will be cracker-like. Keep remaining dough covered as you work.
Cook and finish
  1. Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 3 minutes. Working with one piece at a time, brush off excess flour and lay the naan in the dry skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes until large bubbles form on top and the bottom is blistered and deeply golden in spots. Flip and cook 1 minute more. The second side will not color as much. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil while you cook the rest.
  2. Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Brush garlic butter generously over each warm naan and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve immediately while soft and pliable.

Notes

No yogurt? Substitute sour cream or whole milk with a squeeze of lemon. For extra char, briefly hold cooked naan directly over a gas burner flame for 10-15 seconds per side using tongs. Dough can be made through the first rise, then refrigerated overnight; bring to room temperature before shaping.