If you’re craving that irresistible aroma of warm, pillowy bread brushed with golden butter and flecks of fresh garlic, let me take you by the hand and walk you through Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan. This recipe transforms your kitchen into a bustling tandoor house, delivering addictively chewy, flavor-packed flatbreads straight off the skillet. Each bite combines buttery richness, the savory pop of garlic, and a soft interior that scoops up curries and chutneys like a true Indian classic. The beauty? You don’t need fancy equipment, just a few staple ingredients and a little kitchen magic. Get ready—these naan are the kind you’ll make on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan, each ingredient does some serious heavy lifting. From the gentle tang of yogurt to the punchy freshness of garlic, every addition brings out the kind of flavor and texture that makes homemade naan unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that creates the naan’s soft, chewy texture—make sure to scoop and level for accuracy.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, drawing out the dough’s subtle undertones.
- Sugar: A hint of sweetness that gives balance and helps activate the yeast.
- Instant yeast: The secret to that irresistible pillowy lift; no proofing needed, just stir it in.
- Plain yogurt: Adds a gentle tang and extra moisture for that signature tender crumb.
- Olive oil: Keeps things supple and adds depth—use a good quality for best results.
- Warm water: Just warm to the touch, this activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- Garlic (minced): The star flavor, pressed right into each naan for an aromatic, savory punch.
- Melted butter: Brushed on hot naan, it soaks in for richness and a touch of gloss.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A sprinkle on top brightens every bite with a fresh burst of color and flavor.
How to Make Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl and combining your flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Give it all a quick whisk—this ensures that the yeast, salt, and sugar are evenly dispersed, setting the stage for perfectly risen dough.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Spoon in the plain yogurt and add olive oil, then begin to slowly add your warm water as you mix. You’ll notice the dough coming together easily; the yogurt works behind the scenes to give your naan that classic pliability and flavor.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Now, tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this part—thorough kneading creates the gluten structure needed for naan’s signature texture. The dough should feel smooth and elastic, slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place your kneaded dough back in the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a cozy, warm spot. This 1 to 1.5 hour wait is worth every second; the dough will double in size, promising pillowy naan ahead.
Step 5: Shape the Naan
Punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then divide it into 6 equal balls. Roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/4 inch thick—imperfection is part of the charm! Press the minced garlic gently into the surface of each piece so every bite is aromatic.
Step 6: Cook the Naan
Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high until nice and hot. Lay a prepared naan onto the dry surface. You’re looking for bubbles to form within 1 to 2 minutes; then flip and watch the other side turn golden and develop those beautiful, charred spots that scream ‘authentic!’
Step 7: Brush and Serve
As soon as the naan comes off the pan, brush it generously with melted butter. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if you wish. Serve straight away to savor that fresh-baked warmth and irresistible aroma—pure Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan bliss!
How to Serve Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan
Garnishes
A drizzle of melted butter and a scattering of fresh cilantro take this bread from delicious to divine. You can even add a pinch of flaky sea salt, or a dusting of nigella seeds to mirror traditional tandoori flair.
Side Dishes
Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan is practically made for scooping up rich curries like butter chicken, dal makhani, or chana masala. It’s also perfect alongside your favorite soups, stews, or even a fresh salad for a fusion-meets-comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut naan into triangles and serve as the ultimate appetizer with dips like hummus or raita, or use whole pieces as the base for naan pizzas. Try wrapping your favorite grilled veggies or skewers for a fun twist on Indian street food favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store cooled naan wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It stays soft and flavorful, ready to be revived with a quick reheat.
Freezing
To freeze Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan, layer parchment between each piece and seal in a freezer bag. It’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, with hardly any loss of taste or texture.
Reheating
Bring naan back to life by warming in a dry skillet for a minute per side, or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For extra softness, brush with a bit more butter before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute a plant-based yogurt for the dairy yogurt, and use olive oil or vegan butter for brushing. The result is still every bit as delicious and satisfying.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can swap in up to half whole wheat flour for a heartier, nuttier naan, though the texture may be slightly more rustic. Stick with all-purpose for the softest, chewiest results.
Do I really need a cast iron skillet?
While a cast iron skillet gives you the best char and heat retention for Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan, any heavy-bottomed pan will work. Make sure it’s really hot before you start so you get those lovely bubbles and golden spots.
How do I get that smoky, tandoor-like flavor?
For extra smokiness, try holding the cooked naan with tongs over a gas flame for a few seconds after pan-cooking. This adds wonderful charred spots and a tantalizing tandoori finish.
What’s the best way to serve naan at a party?
Keep the naan warm by stacking finished breads and wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel or foil. Slice into smaller pieces for easy sharing, and pair with an array of dips and spreads for interactive, crowd-pleasing eating.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried your hand at homemade naan, let Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan be your delicious gateway. It’s flavor-packed, simple to make, and just plain spectacular fresh from your kitchen. Roll up your sleeves, follow these steps, and treat yourself (and your lucky tablemates) to bread you’ll be proud of!
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Authentic Artisan Garlic Naan Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 naan breads 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and authentic artisan garlic naan right at home with this easy recipe. This Indian flatbread is soft, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with your favorite curry or as a tasty snack on its own.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
Toppings:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in yogurt and olive oil, then gradually mix in warm water to form a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until smooth.
- Let it Rise: Cover and let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
- Divide and Shape: Punch down the dough, divide into portions, shape into ovals, and press garlic on top.
- Cook Naan: Cook in a skillet until golden and charred, then brush with butter and cilantro.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, briefly cook naan over an open flame.
- Ghee can be used instead of butter for brushing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
