Easy Garlic Naan Recipe Without Tandoor (Soft, Chewy Naan)
Soft, buttery, and loaded with fresh garlic flavor, this homemade garlic naan is a perfect restaurant-style flatbread you can easily make on a stovetop. With a tender, chewy texture and beautiful golden blisters, it pairs wonderfully with rich Indian curries and makes any meal feel special.
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- 1 Pastry brush or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp oil
- ½ cup warm water
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add yogurt and oil, then gradually mix in warm water to form a soft dough.
- Transfer to a surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a bowl, cover, and let it rest until slightly puffed.
- Meanwhile, mix minced garlic into melted butter and keep chopped cilantro ready.
- Divide the rested dough into equal portions and shape into balls. Roll each portion into an oval or teardrop shape of medium thickness.
- Sprinkle garlic and cilantro over each rolled piece and gently press so it sticks to the surface.
- Heat a heavy pan until very hot. Place the naan onto the dry pan and cook until bubbles form and the underside develops golden spots.
- Flip and cook the other side until lightly charred and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and immediately brush with garlic butter. Keep covered to retain softness.
Notes
- A very hot pan is essential to achieve the signature bubbles and charred spots over the naan.
- Yogurt helps create a soft and slightly tangy naan texture do not skip it.
- Avoid rolling the dough too thin, or the naan may turn dry.
- Brush butter immediately after cooking for maximum flavor and softness.
- Ghee can be used instead of butter for a more authentic taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat on a pan for best texture.