Garlic Naan Bread Cilantro (Print Version)

Pillowy naan with garlic butter and fresh cilantro, perfect as a flavorful side or snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 1 teaspoon sugar
03 - 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
04 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 cup plain yogurt (whole or low-fat)
07 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Garlic & Cilantro Topping

08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
09 - 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
10 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
02 - In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, yogurt, and vegetable oil. Knead until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, about 5 to 7 minutes.
03 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball.
05 - On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into an oval or tear-drop shape about 1/4 inch thick.
06 - Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until hot.
07 - Brush one side of the naan with melted butter and sprinkle with minced garlic.
08 - Place naan buttered side down in the skillet. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form.
09 - Brush the top of the naan with more melted butter, flip, and cook 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
10 - Remove naan from the pan and immediately sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Repeat with remaining dough.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This naan is soft and pillowy yet packs a flavorful punch that feels like a cozy secret shared between kitchen friends
  • The ease of making it from scratch quickly turned it into a favorite during family dinners, transforming any curry into a special occasion
02 -
  • Make sure your water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly without killing it
  • Adding yogurt makes the naan tender and gives a subtle tang that transforms simple bread into something special
03 -
  • Letting the dough rise in a warm spot really makes a difference in texture
  • A light dusting of flour on your working surface prevents sticking without drying out the dough