Garlic Naan Recipe Without Yeast (Homemade is Best)
Love naan bread? This Garlic Naan Recipe Without Yeast is an easy homemade version you can make instantly on a stovetop using a griddle (tawa) or cast-iron skillet. Soft, fluffy, and full of garlicky flavor — it’s perfect for pairing with any curry or stew. The best part? You don’t need any yeast or long proofing time! The dough comes together in just 20 minutes, and the naan cooks in under 10 minutes — making it a quick, satisfying recipe for your next family dinner or weeknight meal. Once you try it fresh off the pan, you’ll never go back to takeout naan again!
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Servings: 5 Persons
Calories: 290kcal
Equipment
- Iron Skillet
Ingredients
For Naan Dough (No Yeast)
- 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 Dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, garlic powder, yogurt, and oil. Mix well with your hands until crumbly, then gradually add water to form a soft and smooth dough. This step is the secret to a soft and pillowy naan texture.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for 2 hours, or overnight for best results. (The minimum resting time is 20 minutes). Resting helps the dough develop flavor and makes it easier to roll, giving that authentic bubbly naan texture when cooked.
- Roll the Naan: Once the dough is ready, knead it for a minute or two. Divide into small portions, roll into oval or round naan shapes. You can manage the naan thickness as per your choice. Make sure it should not be too thick or thin. Keep it in middle to get the best result. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Lightly moisten the underside of each naan with water to help it stick while cooking. (Watch video for better understanding)
- Cook the Naan on Stovetop: Heat an iron skillet or tawa (avoid nonstick). Once hot, place the naan on the skillet — water side down. As bubbles form, flip the skillet upside down over the flame to give it direct heat. Rotate gently to get that beautiful charred and puffy naan effect. Remove with tongs once golden.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, finely chopped garlic, and fresh cilantro or coriander. This aromatic garlic butter will elevate the naan’s flavor.
- Apply Garlic Butter & Serve: Brush the hot naan generously with garlic butter right after cooking. Serve warm for the best soft, fluffy, and garlicky naan bread experience — just like authentic restaurant-style naan, made easily at home!
Video
Notes
- Sift the Flour: Always sift your all-purpose flour before making the dough. This helps aerate the flour, resulting in a soft and fluffy naan even without yeast.
- Use Baking Soda & Yogurt Together: This combination works like magic — they act as natural leavening agents, helping the naan puff up beautifully and stay pillowy.
- Skip Baking Powder: While some recipes use baking powder, I’ve found it makes the naan slightly cakey. Baking soda + yogurt gives the perfect chewy texture.
- For Extra Fluffiness: If your naan isn’t turning out as soft as you’d like, you can add 1 teaspoon of instant yeast for every 3 cups of flour.
- Soft Dough is Key: Make sure your dough is soft, smooth, and well-kneaded before resting. This ensures a pliable texture that’s easy to roll and cook.
- Rest in a Warm Place: Let the dough rise in a warm area — your oven or microwave (switched off) works great to maintain consistent warmth.
- Cook on Iron Skillet: For the best results, use a cast iron skillet or tawa. It helps the naan stick and develop those beautiful charred bubbles. Nonstick pans don’t grip the dough well, making it harder to cook over direct heat.
- No Cast Iron? No Problem: You can still make perfect naan on a nonstick pan — just hold it over the flame with tongs or flip the naan to cook both sides evenly.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Once cooked, immediately brush each naan with garlic-infused butter. It locks in moisture, adds shine, and makes the naan irresistibly soft and flavorful.
Nutrition
Serving: 1naan | Calories: 290kcal
