Garlic Naan Bread Cilantro

Discovering how to make garlic naan bread was a total game changer in my kitchen, opening up a whole new world of flavors that perfectly complement my favorite curries.

I remember the first time unexpected guests arrived and I whipped up this naan in under two hours; everyone was amazed and kept asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The base for this dough, I always make sure to measure it properly so the texture stays perfect and not too dense
• Instant yeast: Gives the naan its lovely rise without waiting too long; make sure it's fresh for best results
• Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast gently and keeps the dough soft
• Plain yogurt: Adds a slight tang and tenderness that you just can't skip
• Garlic: Finely minced to infuse the naan with its fragrant essence, don't overcook it in the topping to keep that freshness
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped just before sprinkling to keep its bright color and flavor

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Gather all your ingredients and measure carefully; this sets a calm tone for the process ahead.

Mix and Knead:

As you mix the wet and dry ingredients, you'll notice the dough coming together slowly, getting sticky but manageable. Kneading by hand is so satisfying when the dough becomes smooth and elastic, a good 6 to 8 minutes of your focused attention.

Time to Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it - the warm spot in your kitchen works like magic here, letting it double, getting fluffy and full of air.

Shape Your Naan:

After punching down, shape each dough ball into an oval or tear; this ensures they cook evenly and develop those beautiful bubbles on the surface.

Cook and Glaze:

Heat your skillet until very hot and dry. Each naan hits the pan with a sizzle, and as bubbles appear, you flip to catch those golden spots. Remove and immediately brush with melted butter then sprinkle garlic and cilantro while it's still warm so they stick and infuse deeply.

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This bread became more than a side dish when I served it at a family gathering; those warm bites sparked laughter and stories that lingered longer than the meal itself.

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. To revive, warm it wrapped in foil in a low oven or quickly on a skillet so it's soft and pliable again.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Besides pairing with rich curries, naan makes a fantastic wrap for grilled veggies or spiced meats; try it as a base for a quick pizza with sauce and cheese for a fun twist.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once when I forgot to buy bread for a dinner, this naan recipe came to the rescue. It's quick enough to make in time and elevates even the simplest meal.

• Don't forget to flour your surface lightly to avoid sticking
• Adjust garlic quantity to your liking but never skip it—it's the soul of this naan
• If you want a fluffier texture, cover the dough with a damp cloth while rising

Bookmark

Thanks for sharing this kitchen moment with me; I hope this naan bread recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes this naan soft and pillowy?

The combination of warm milk, yogurt, and yeast in the dough creates a tender texture, while adequate kneading and resting time allow the dough to rise properly, resulting in softness.

→ How do I cook naan without an oven?

This naan is cooked on a hot heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, which allows the bread to develop golden spots and a slightly charred flavor without needing an oven.

→ Can I substitute the dairy ingredients for a vegan version?

Yes, replace yogurt with plant-based yogurt and butter with plant-based alternatives. Omit the egg and increase the milk quantity slightly for similar results.

→ How should I store leftover naan?

Store naan in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat on a skillet or in a microwave before serving.

→ What other toppings can enhance the flavor?

Beyond garlic and cilantro, toppings like nigella seeds, chili flakes, or brushed sesame oil add interesting flavor variations to the naan.