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Pan Naan

Print recipe: Buttery Garlic Naan Bread

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Resting time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: India
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

  • 300g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 80 ml warm whole milk (approx.)
  • 60 ml warm water
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 60 g melted butter (for brushing)
For garlic and coriander butter
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 12–15 fresh coriander sprigs, finely chopped
  • 75 g butter
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1.  In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, yogurt, and the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add warm milk, kneading until a soft, smooth dough forms. Add a little extra milk if needed.
  4. Grease your hands with oil, shape into a ball, and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with cling film and let rise in a warm place for 2–3 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough, divide into 6–7 balls, and keep covered with a cloth.
  6. Before rolling out the dough melt the butter in a small bowl, preheat a skillet over medium heat (lightly oil if using cast iron).
  7. Roll out each dough ball into an oval or round shape (18–20 cm diameter, 1.5 mm thick).
  8. Lightly brush with melted butter. Turn the heat to maximum and place buttered side down on the hot skillet. 
  9. Cook until bubbles form (about 45–50 seconds). Brush the top side with butter, flip, and cook until golden.
  10. In another pan melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  11. Add the garlic and salt, sauté for a few seconds until lightly golden.
  12. Remove from heat, stir in coriander, and mix well. Pour the mixture in a bowl.
  13. Brush this mixture over warm Naan and enjoy!

Notes

  • Whole milk and yogurt are key – they make the dough soft and flavourful. Full-fat works best for texture and taste.
  • Let the yogurt sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before making the dough so it blends easily with the other warm liquids.
  • Always activate your yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar until it becomes foamy. This ensures the yeast is alive and gives you the fluffiest naan.
  • I use all-purpose flour, but you can also experiment with bread flour for extra chewiness.
  • Roll the dough thinly – no more than 2 mm thick – so it puffs up beautifully without becoming dense.
  • Brush the dough lightly with butter before cooking for that gorgeous golden finish.
  • Cast iron skillets are perfect for cooking naan – they hold high heat and give you those authentic charred bubbles. A heavy-bottomed pan works too.
  • Serve your naan warm, brushed with garlic and coriander butter – it’s the ultimate flavor upgrade.