Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Activate Yeast

   In 1/4 cup of lukewarm water, add 1 tsp sugar and 1 tsp yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5 minutes until activated and frothy. (If making yeast-free naan, combine 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 cup curd directly with flour in step 2).

2. 2.Prepare Dough

   In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp oil, and salt to taste. Add the activated yeast mixture (or the baking powder/soda/curd mixture if making yeast-free naan).

3. 3.Knead Dough

   Gradually add additional water as needed and knead the dough for 7-8 minutes until it becomes soft, smooth, and non-sticky.

4. 4.First Proof

   Apply a little oil over the kneaded dough to prevent it from drying out. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. 5.Punch Down and Portion

   Once the dough has risen and doubled in size (as shown at 02:05), gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions (approximately 6 naans from this recipe).

6. 6.Roll Out Naan

   Take one portion of dough, dust it lightly with flour on a rolling board, and roll it out into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/4 inch thick.

7. 7.Cook Plain Naan on Tawa

   Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat until it is very hot. Place the rolled naan dough on the hot tawa. Cook for about 15-20 seconds until bubbles start to form on the surface.

8. 8.Flip and Cook

   Flip the naan and cook the other side for another 15-20 seconds until golden brown spots appear. Remove from tawa. (Alternatively, you can hold the naan directly over a gas flame for a charred effect, similar to tandoor naan).

9. 9.Brush with Butter

   Immediately brush the hot plain naan with butter.

10. 10.Prepare Garlic Butter

    In a small bowl, melt 4 tbsp butter. Mince 3 cloves of garlic (using a garlic press or finely chopping) and add to the melted butter. Stir in a little chopped coriander.

11. 11.Cook Garlic Naan (Oven Method)

    Roll out naan dough as in step 6. Spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the naan. Place the naan on a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 550°F (or your oven's maximum temperature) for 6-7 minutes, or until the naan is puffed and lightly golden.

12. 12.Cook Garlic Naan (Tawa Method)

    Alternatively, for garlic naan on a tawa, roll out naan dough and spread garlic butter. Place the naan, butter-side up, on a hot tawa. Cook until bubbles form and the bottom is lightly browned. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown spots appear and the garlic is fragrant.

13. 13.Serve

    Serve the freshly made naan hot with your favorite Indian curries like paneer butter masala or butter chicken.