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Easy Homemade Soft & Fluffy Garlic Naan Bread (Skillet Method)

Close-up of soft, buttered naan bread, charred in spots, topped with melted butter and fresh parsley.
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Make soft, fluffy, restaurant-quality naan bread at home using only a skillet. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients for a chewy flatbread perfect with curry or dips.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
  6. Cover the dough balls and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  7. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Do not add oil to the pan.
  8. Working with one ball at a time, roll the dough into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
  9. Place one piece of dough onto the hot, dry skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the underside is lightly browned.
  10. Flip the naan and cook the second side for about 1 minute until browned spots appear. If you want more char, briefly hold the bread directly over a gas flame using tongs (if applicable).
  11. Remove the cooked naan from the skillet and immediately brush the top generously with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and chopped cilantro.
  12. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces, stacking the finished naan and covering them lightly to keep them warm.

Notes

  • For a yeast-free option, substitute the yeast and sugar with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder mixed into the dry ingredients. Reduce the rise time to 10 minutes.
  • To achieve the softest texture, ensure your water is warm enough to activate the yeast but not hot enough to kill it.
  • Brush the cooked naan with plain melted butter instead of garlic butter for a classic Buttery Naan.
  • If you do not have fresh yeast, use 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) of instant yeast and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/easy-homemade-soft-naan-bread-skillet-recipe/