There’s just something magical about tearing into a warm, pillow-soft piece of Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan fresh off the skillet, its golden surface flecked with fresh garlic and herbs. This recipe brings all the authentic flavor and texture of your favorite Indian restaurant right into your home kitchen—no tandoor oven required. Each layer of this naan is built from simple, wholesome ingredients, coming together to create a creamy, chewy bite that pairs perfectly with curries, dips, or simply a dab of butter. If you’ve ever dreamed of making irresistible naan at home, this step-by-step guide will set you up for flavorful, artisan success.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to fall in love with how easy it is to bring these essential ingredients together. Each one plays a crucial role in building the taste, color, and soft, chewy texture of authentic naan, while the garlic butter takes it over the top.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your naan, giving it the perfect balance of lightness and chew.
- Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the dough’s flavor and help with browning.
- Salt: Essential for flavor—do not skip it!
- Baking powder: Provides lift, making the naan tender and lofty.
- Baking soda: Works with the yogurt for extra fluffiness and a beautiful golden color.
- Plain yogurt (room temperature): Adds a subtle tang and dreamy softness to the dough.
- Warm milk: Makes the dough rich and helps bind everything together.
- Warm water: Balances hydration for a dough that’s easy to knead.
- Olive oil or melted ghee: Locks in moisture and lends a lovely, nuanced flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): For that luxurious garlic butter finish.
- Garlic (minced): The star of the show; infuses every bite with fragrant, punchy flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a pop of color and herbal brightness to the finished naan.
How to Make Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—you’ll want plenty of space to blend everything together. Whisk the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This blend ensures your Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan will puff perfectly and have beautiful, golden-tinted edges every single time.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
Now add the yogurt, warm milk, warm water, and your preferred olive oil or melted ghee right into the bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to combine everything until you’ve got a sticky but cohesive dough. This stickiness means your naan will be extra soft—just trust the process!
Step 3: Knead Until Soft and Smooth
Lightly flour your work surface, then turn out the dough. Knead for about 5–6 minutes, stretching, pressing, and folding, until your dough is smooth and elastic. Let your hands feel the transformation—it’s one of the most satisfying parts of making Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rest
Oil a clean bowl lightly, set your silky dough inside, and cover with a towel. Rest in a warm spot for 1–2 hours. This time lets the dough puff up a bit, developing flavor and that signature chewy, tender crumb.
Step 5: Shape the Naan
Once the dough has rested, divide it into 6 equal balls. Roll each one on a floured surface into an oval or teardrop shape about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—those rustic edges are what artisan bread is all about!
Step 6: Cook the Naan
Preheat your cast iron skillet or heavy nonstick pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Brush one side of your naan with water—this helps it develop that lovely bubble and crispness. Lay the wet side down in the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook until you see big bubbles and a golden bottom. Flip and cook for about 30–60 seconds, then set aside.
Step 7: Make and Brush the Garlic Butter
Quickly mix your melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro (if using). While the naan is still warm, generously brush it with garlic butter. This finishing touch melts into every crevice, making each bite irresistible—a true signature of Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan.
How to Serve Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dusting of flaky sea salt, or even a scattering of toasted nigella or sesame seeds can make your naan visually stunning and extra tasty. These little flourishes bring a burst of color and a hint of extra flavor, making your naan feel restaurant-quality at home.
Side Dishes
Nothing matches Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan quite like a steaming bowl of creamy butter chicken, rich dal, or a fresh cucumber raita. Use the naan as a scoop for saucy curries or let it soak up every delicious drop—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your naan into wedges for a sharing platter, roll it up with grilled vegetables and paneer for wraps, or serve it alongside a spread of dips at your next gathering. Whether you prefer individual rounds or rustic, uneven shapes, Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan always steals the show on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your extra naan soft and flavorful, store cooled breads in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature, making quick snacks or meal sides a breeze.
Freezing
If you want to keep Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan at the ready, layer breads between sheets of parchment and seal tightly in a zip-top freezer bag. Naan will keep beautifully for up to three months, and it thaws quickly when you’re craving a taste of homemade comfort.
Reheating
Warm naan in a hot skillet or wrap in foil and pop it in a 350°F oven for a few minutes. You can also microwave it for 20–30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel, to bring back that fresh-baked softness—just hold off on adding more garlic butter until after reheating for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds a nutty, hearty flavor, but the naan may turn out slightly denser. You can also use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a perfect blend of softness and nutrition.
Do I need a special tandoor oven to make Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan?
Not at all! A heavy skillet or cast iron pan gets you beautifully authentic results at home. For extra char, you can even briefly finish your naan directly over a gas flame with tongs for that smoky touch.
What can I use in place of yogurt?
If you’re dairy-free or don’t have yogurt on hand, try a thick plant-based yogurt or even a splash of buttermilk for a similar tang and softness in your naan.
How do I keep my naan from drying out?
The key is to brush the naan with garlic butter while it’s still hot from the pan and to store any leftovers tightly wrapped as soon as they’ve cooled. This helps keep the Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan moist and delicious.
Why does my dough feel sticky? Is that normal?
Yes, a sticky dough is expected for this recipe! It keeps the finished naan extra soft and fluffy. Just use a bit of extra flour on your hands and work surface when kneading and shaping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to win hearts and satisfy cravings for real, restaurant-worthy bread, you can’t go wrong with Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan. The hands-on process is as rewarding as the final result—each bite is pure comfort and flavor. Give it a try and enjoy the joy of homemade naan anytime you want!
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Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including resting time)
- Yield: 6 naan breads
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan right at home with this easy recipe. This Indian flatbread is soft, fluffy, and infused with garlic butter for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Main Naan Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted ghee
Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in yogurt, warm milk, water, and oil to form a sticky dough. Knead until smooth.
- Rest Dough: Let the dough rest for 1-2 hours until slightly puffy.
- Shape Naan: Divide dough, roll into balls, then flatten into ovals.
- Cook Naan: Cook in a hot skillet until golden on both sides.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: While warm, brush naan with melted butter, garlic, and cilantro.
Notes
- For a traditional touch, cook naan over an open flame briefly after skillet cooking.
- Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
