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    Home » Recipes » Bread Recipes

    Easy Homemade Garlic Naan (Without Yeast)

    Published: Jul 29, 2021 · Modified: Aug 25, 2024 by Hinz

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    This easy Homemade Garlic Naan recipe, made without yeast and cooked on the stovetop, draws inspiration from Indian cuisine. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious flatbread that rivals restaurant quality. With its fluffy, soft, and buttery texture, this naan is the perfect side dish for any main course, whether for lunch or dinner.

    homemade garlic naan
    homemade garlic naan

    Looking for homemade bread recipes for Dinner?  Check out, No-Knead Dinner Rolls, Garlic Knots, Calzone, and Tawa Naan. All recipes are quick and easy to prepare at home and I believe it will add value to your dinner table.

    Jump to:
    • What is Garlic Naan?
    • Garlic Naan Ingredients
    • How To Make Garlic Naan at Home
    • Homemade Garlic Naan Video
    • Soft Naan Tips & Secrets
    • Serving Suggestions
    • How to Store Leftover Naan?
    • Q & A
    • More Naan Recipes
    • Easy Homemade Garlic Naan (Without Yeast)

    What is Garlic Naan?

    Naan is a type of flatbread from India, traditionally baked in a clay oven known as a tandoor. Garlic naan, in particular, is infused with the delightful flavors of garlic and butter. This variety has become a staple in street food and Indian restaurants alike. Its rich garlicky flavor and irresistible aroma have made it a favorite in Indian eateries around the globe, and it's also gaining popularity in regions like Western Asia, Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Caribbean. In the United States, many Indian restaurants serve garlic naan alongside their main dishes.

    Making naan in the oven or tandoor is quite simple! Today, I'm preparing this delicious homemade garlic naan right on the stovetop. All you need is a regular stove with a flame burner and an iron skillet (Tawa). If you're new to this, don't worry! You can easily follow my step-by-step recipe to create it at home.

    Preparing garlic naan is quick and simple, so whenever I host a small gathering, I love to make it. My family and friends devour it in no time!

    garlic naan
    garlic naan

    Homemade buttery garlic naan is delightfully soft and fluffy, with a flavor that’s just like what you’d enjoy from a tandoor. Since it doesn’t contain yeast, it’s an excellent choice for dinner.

    Garlic Naan Ingredients

    The process of making naan begins with the dough, which must be perfect for the best results. This recipe features just five essential ingredients to create a soft dough that leads to wonderfully fluffy naan.

    All Purpose flour: I like to use all-purpose flour for making naan dough because it delivers a restaurant-quality result. It pairs perfectly with the leavening agent since we’re not using yeast in this recipe; baking soda is the key ingredient that helps create a fluffy and chewy naan texture.
    Baking Soda: This acts as a catalyst, boosting the dough's performance to achieve a light and airy texture.
    Garlic Powder: You can use either freshly made garlic paste or garlic powder to infuse the naan with a delicious garlicky flavor, which is a hallmark of this recipe.
    Salt: This ingredient adds a touch of saltiness.
    Ghee/Oil: To ensure the dough is well-lubricated, ghee or oil works wonders. I opted for vegetable oil, which helped to make the dough soft and chewy.
    Yogurt: Yogurt contributes to a pillowy texture in the dough, making it easy to stretch and smooth out.
    Water: Used to make soft and firm dough.
    Topping: I topped it off with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds and brushed it with butter infused with freshly grated garlic.

    Don’t forget to check out the recipe tips, which are based on my personal best practices after many attempts in my kitchen. If you’re making naan for the first time, these tips will guide you to achieve great results on your initial try.

    How To Make Garlic Naan at Home

    Making garlic naan involves a simple six-step process:

    Dough Preparation: Start by combining all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, garlic powder, yogurt, and oil in a bowl. Use your hands to crumble the mixture. Gradually add water to form a soft dough.

    Rest the dough: Once the dough is ready, cover it and place it in a warm area for 4 to 8 hours, or even overnight. This resting period allows the dough to rise.

    Roll the Dough: After the resting time, take the dough out and knead it for a few minutes. Roll it out into naan shapes and, if you like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Moisten the base of the naan with a little water.

    Cook the Naan: Preheat an iron skillet (avoid using nonstick) on the stove. Once hot, place the naan on the skillet with the water-moistened side down. It will begin to bubble as it cooks. After a few seconds, flip the skillet to give it direct heat from the burner. Rotate the skillet clockwise to ensure even cooking. When the naan is done, carefully remove it from the skillet using tongs, as it may stick.

    Preparation of Garlic Butter: In a separate bowl, mix together freshly chopped garlic, butter, and fresh coriander or cilantro until well combined.

    Garlic Butter Application: Immediately after cooking the naan, spread a layer of garlic butter on top. You can either cover it or serve it right away.

    Homemade Garlic Naan Video

    Homemade Garlic Naan Recipe Video

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    Soft Naan Tips & Secrets

    Making perfect naan is a simple process but it requires few techniques to get the best results. I've experimented with naan countless times, and each attempt has taught me something new to enhance the flavor and texture. Here are some tips drawn from my experiences.

    • Sift the flour before making dough. It will release the air inside the flour and will help to make soft and fluffy dough without yeast.
    • Using baking soda and yogurt can act as a catalyst for achieving that fluffy naan texture.
    • While some people opt for baking powder in their dough, I tried it once and found the naan to be too cakey for my liking.
    • If you're struggling to achieve a fluffy naan, consider adding a teaspoon of instant yeast to three cups of flour.
    • Always aim to create a soft dough and knead it well before letting it rest.
    • It's important to place the dough in a warm area to allow it to rise properly. The oven or microwave works great for this purpose.
    • An iron skillet is ideal for cooking naan, as it provides better grip for sticking the naan to the surface. A nonstick skillet may not hold the naan in place, making it difficult to cook at an angle over the flame.
    • If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can still use a nonstick one by holding it over the fire with tongs instead of flipping it. Alternatively, you can cook it on a hot skillet, flipping it to cook both sides.
    • Finally, brushing the naan with butter and garlic will keep it soft and delicious.
    easy garlic naan recipe
    easy garlic naan recipe

    Serving Suggestions

    Garlic naan makes for a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals, whether it's lunch or dinner. It essentially serves as an alternative to naan, dinner rolls, bread, or tandoori roti.

    I particularly enjoy pairing it with Curry, Stew & Kabab.. Additionally, it can be used as a wrap or transformed into rolls for a quick snack. And remember, it's a great idea to enjoy some tea after indulging in carbs.

    How to Store Leftover Naan?

    Garlic naan can be stored in three different ways:

    Storing the Dough: Naan dough is quite sensitive, so it’s best to keep it in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to cook, remove it about an hour in advance to allow the dough to reach room temperature. Cold dough will not yield soft and fluffy naan.

    Storing Cooked Naan: You can keep cooked naan in an airtight plastic bag for 5 to 6 days in the refrigerator. Avoid applying garlic and butter if you plan to store it for later; you can add those toppings fresh when you're ready to serve.

    Freezing Garlic Naan: Many people enjoy frozen garlic naan from the store, but it's just as easy to freeze your homemade version. Prepare all the naan and arrange them on a tray lined with parchment paper, then freeze for an hour. After that, transfer them to plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When you need some, simply take it out, let it thaw for a few minutes, and cook it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven.

    Tip: Consider making mini naans for freezing! This way, you can easily fit more naans on a large tray.

    Q & A

    Can I make garlic naan with wheat flour?

    Yes, you can also use wheat flour. The outcome may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and nutritious.

    Can I bake this garlic naan?

    Yes, you can bake naan in the oven. However, naan cooked in a skillet resembles authentic tandoori naan more closely, as it develops bubbles during the cooking process.

    Can I make garlic naan with instant yeast?

    Yes, you can incorporate yeast into the dough, but it's preferable to use yogurt and a small amount of baking powder instead. If you opt for instant yeast, roll the naan thinly, as it will expand significantly while cooking.

    Why does naan turn out hard?

    Naan can become hard if it is rolled too thin, cooked at excessively high temperatures, or if the dough isn't kneaded or allowed to rise properly. If your naan is hard, cover it immediately after applying butter; the steam will help soften it.

    How to make soft garlic naan at home?

    To make soft and fluffy naan, always choose high-quality flour. Use baking soda, yogurt, and oil into the dough. Allow the dough to rest for 4 to 8 hours, or ideally overnight. Cook it on a preheated skillet over high heat, being careful not to overcook. After brushing with butter, cover the naan or serve it right away.

    Can I make garlic naan without yogurt?

    Yes, you can omit yogurt from the dough or replace it with soy yogurt or buttermilk. Yogurt helps to add structure to the naan. If you decide to skip it, make sure to include baking soda and baking powder to achieve a soft, fluffy texture.

    More Naan Recipes

    • keema naan
      Pakistani Keema Naan Recipe
    • tandoori naan
      Tandoori Naan Recipe (On Tawa)
    • aloo naan showing close look. White background
      Aloo Naan (Potato Stuffed Indian Flatbread)
    • roghni naan
      Pakistani Roghni Naan

    If you are looking forward to try this 'homemade garlic naan' or something else, then don’t forget to Rate the Recipe by clicking on stars and ask your query in comment section. I would love to reply to make your experience successful. It will be encouraging if you share your recipe shots with me to share on Instagram.

    A close look of homemade garlic naan brown background
    Print Pin
    5 from 5 votes

    Easy Homemade Garlic Naan (Without Yeast)

    This easy Homemade Garlic Naan recipe, made without yeast and cooked on the stovetop, draws inspiration from Indian cuisine. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious flatbread that rivals restaurant quality. With its fluffy, soft, and buttery texture, this naan is the perfect side dish for any main course, whether for lunch or dinner.
    Course Bread, dinner
    Cuisine Indian, International, Pakistani
    Keyword garlic naan, garlic naan recipe, homemade garlic naan
    Prep Time 18 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 3 minutes minutes
    Resting Time 8 hours hours
    Total Time 20 minutes minutes
    Servings 5 Persons
    Calories 290kcal
    Author Hinz

    Equipment

    • Iron Skillet

    Ingredients

    For Dough

    • 3 cups All Purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ⅓ teaspoon Baking soda
    • ⅓ teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 1 tablespoon Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Yogurt
    • 100 ml Water

    For Topping

    • ½ teaspoon Sesame (Black & White)
    • 2 tablespoon Butter
    • ½ teaspoon Freshly Grated Garlic
    • 1 tablespoon Freshly Chopped Corriander

    Instructions

    Prepare the Naan Dough

    • In a bowl combine all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, garlic powder, yogurt, and oil.
    • Crumble the flour with your hands. Gradually add water to knead the soft dough.

    Rest the Dough

    • Cover the dough bowl and keep it in a warm place for 4 to 8 hours or even overnight.
    • This resting period allows the dough to rise.

    Roll The Naan

    • After the resting time, take the dough out and knead it for a few minutes.
    • Roll it out into naan shapes and, if you like, sprinkle black/white sesame seeds on top.
    • Moisten the base of the naan with a little water.

    Naan Cooking on Stovetop

    • Preheat an iron skillet (avoid using nonstick) on the stove.
    • Once hot, place the naan on the skillet with the water-moistened side down. It will begin to bubble as it cooks. After a few seconds, flip the skillet to give it direct heat from the burner.
    • Rotate the skillet clockwise to ensure even cooking.
    • When the naan is done, carefully remove it from the skillet using tongs, as it may stick.

    Garlic Butter Topping

    • In a separate bowl, mix freshly chopped garlic, butter, and fresh coriander or cilantro until well combined.

    Garlic Butter Application

    • Immediately after cooking the naan, spread a layer of garlic butter on top. You can either cover it or serve it right away.

    Video

    Notes

    • To achieve the perfect naan on the stovetop, use an iron skillet. This method allows the naan to adhere to the surface, making it easy to flip and cook directly over the burner flame. In contrast, a nonstick skillet won't provide the necessary surface grip, so the flipping technique won't be applicable.
    • If you opt for a nonstick skillet, ensure you cook the naan on both sides or use tongs to heat it directly over the flame. The results will vary significantly between iron and nonstick naan.
    • For a soft naan, remember to sift the flour before preparing the dough.
    • Incorporating baking soda and yogurt will act as leavening agents, resulting in a fluffy texture.
    • If you're struggling to achieve that fluffiness, consider adding a teaspoon of instant yeast to three cups of flour.
    • Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment; the oven or microwave serves as an ideal setting for this process. Finally, brushing the naan with garlic butter will enhance its softness.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1naan | Calories: 290kcal

    More Bread Recipes

    • Brushing butter on baked pizza poppers
      Pizza Poppers (Pull Apart Pizza Bites)
    • Bazlama recipe - Turkish flat bread
      Bazlama Recipe (Turkish Flat Bread)
    • aloo kulcha recipe - stuffed kulcha
      Aloo Kulcha Recipe
    • bread halwa recipe
      Bread Halwa Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hinz

      July 29, 2021 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      It's easy to make restaurant style Garlic Naan bread at home. Handful ingredients and iron skillet will help to make delicious naan to serve on dinner or lunch.

      Reply
    2. Ashley

      December 09, 2022 at 2:11 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is a keeper! I used milk kefir instead of yoghurt, and it worked out great. I also didn't have a cast iron skillet or an open flame oven so I just used my cast iron wok instead on a really hot element stovetop and that still worked great, just flip the naan over halfway and toast it for 30 seconds. Tastes exactly like at an authentic restaurant 10/10

      Reply
      • Hinz

        December 24, 2022 at 4:32 am

        Thanks, Ashley for sharing your experience! Stay connected for more recipes...

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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