Naan, Garlic Naan, Butter Naan

Naan, Garlic Naan, Butter Naan is a medium Indian recipe that serves 6. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Kunal Kapur on YouTube.

Prep: 50 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 50 min

Cost: $2.08 total, $0.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (refined flour, sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (helps caramelize the crust)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for dough)
  • 3/4 cup Whole Milk (room temperature; can substitute water for dairy‑free version)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted for brushing; extra for layering butter naan)
  • 1 teaspoon Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) (optional, for authentic flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves (finely chopped)
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (peeled and minced)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients & Equipment

    Measure all dry ingredients, chop coriander, mince garlic, melt butter, and set a skillet on the stove.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Wet Ingredients & Knead

    Create a well in the center, drizzle oil, pour milk, and mix with a spoon. Knead by hand for 8‑10 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky.

    Time: PT10M

  4. First Rest

    Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Divide & Second Rest

    Divide the dough into 6 equal balls (about 60 g each). Place them on a lightly floured surface, cover, and rest another 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Prepare Toppings

    Mix minced garlic with a pinch of coriander; keep extra coriander, nigella seeds, and melted butter ready for brushing.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Cook Plain Naan

    Lightly dust a ball with flour, roll into a 6‑inch oval or round (avoid excess flour). Brush the top with a little butter, sprinkle nigella and coriander, then press lightly. Wet the underside with a fingertip of water, place water‑side down on a hot skillet (high heat). Cook 1‑2 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and hold over an open flame for 10‑15 seconds to puff. Remove and keep warm.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: High heat on skillet

  8. Cook Garlic Naan

    Roll another dough ball, spread a thin layer of the garlic‑coriander mixture on top, brush lightly with butter, poke few holes with a fork, wet the backside, and cook as in step 7. After flipping, finish over the flame for extra color.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: High heat on skillet

  9. Form Butter Naan Layers

    Roll a ball into a thin oval, brush the top with melted butter, dust the buttered side with a little flour, then fold the dough over itself three times like a turban, pressing gently to seal. Lightly roll the folded piece to a final thickness of about ¼‑inch.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Cook Butter Naan

    Brush the top side with butter, dust the bottom with a pinch of flour, wet the bottom edge, and place butter‑side down on the hot skillet. Cook 1‑1½ minutes, pressing edges to stick, then flip and cook the other side. Finish by holding over the flame for a few seconds, then dab generously with butter and gently crush to reveal layers.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: High heat on skillet

  11. Serve

    Stack the plain naan, garlic naan, and butter naan in a basket, keep covered with a clean towel, and serve hot with curries or chutney.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Milk, Butter

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Naan, Garlic Naan, Butter Naan

Recipe by Kunal Kapur

Learn how to make soft, fluffy Indian naan, aromatic garlic naan, and layered butter naan at home without a tandoor. This step‑by‑step recipe uses a simple dough base and a hot cast‑iron skillet or griddle, finishing with butter, nigella seeds, coriander and garlic for authentic flavor and beautiful puff.

MediumIndianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 10m
Prep
30m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.08
Total cost
$0.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten without eggs.
  • Allow the dough to rest twice (15 min each) for softness.
  • Cook the naan water‑side down so it sticks to the pan like in a tandoor.
  • For butter naan, create distinct layers by folding and butter‑basting before cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet and open flame with tongs to avoid burns.
  • Do not use a non‑stick pan for the water‑side technique; it can cause sticking and damage the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of naan in Indian cuisine?

A

Naan is a traditional leavened flatbread baked in a tandoor, historically served in North Indian households and royal kitchens. It accompanies curries, kebabs, and dals, symbolizing hospitality and completing a meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of naan in Indian cuisine?

A

In North India, naan is often brushed with butter or ghee and topped with nigella seeds, garlic, or cheese. In Punjab, butter naan is layered, while in Kashmir, a richer version called “sheermal” includes milk and saffron.

cultural
Q

How is naan traditionally served in Indian restaurants?

A

Naan is typically served hot, brushed with melted butter or ghee, and placed in a basket lined with a clean cloth. It is eaten alongside curries, tikkas, and chutneys, often torn by hand.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is naan traditionally associated with in Indian culture?

A

Naan appears at festive meals such as weddings, Diwali feasts, and family gatherings, especially when richer dishes like butter chicken are served. Its soft texture makes it ideal for sharing during celebrations.

cultural
Q

What makes butter naan special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

Butter naan is distinguished by its layered, flaky texture created by folding butter‑basted dough before cooking. The layers give a tender bite and a glossy, buttery finish that is prized in North Indian restaurants.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making naan at home?

A

Common errors include under‑kneading the dough, using a non‑hot pan, applying too much flour while rolling, and cooking on a non‑stick surface. These lead to dense, hard naan that doesn’t puff.

technical
Q

Why does this naan recipe use milk instead of water for the dough?

A

Milk adds richness, a slight sweetness, and helps the crust caramelize, resulting in a softer, more flavorful naan compared to a plain water‑based dough.

technical
Q

Can I make the naan dough ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours after the first rest. Keep it covered with a damp towel; bring it to room temperature before shaping and the second rest.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the naan is done?

A

The cooked side should be golden‑brown with light char spots, and the top should be puffed with visible air bubbles. When flipped, the underside should have a crisp, slightly blistered surface.

technical
Q

How do I know when the naan is fully cooked?

A

After the first minute, the bottom will release easily from the skillet, and the top will show bubbles. A quick flash over an open flame should give a light char; if the naan feels firm and not doughy, it’s done.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kunal Kapur specialize in?

A

YouTube channel Kunal Kapur focuses on Indian home cooking, showcasing authentic recipes, modern twists, and detailed technique tutorials for both traditional and contemporary dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Kunal Kapur's approach to Indian flatbread differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Kunal Kapur emphasizes cooking without specialized equipment like a tandoor, using everyday kitchen tools such as a skillet or griddle, and provides clear step‑by‑step guidance on layering and flavoring techniques.

channel

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