How to Make Perfect Sourdough Garlic Naan Bread

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh Sourdough Garlic Naan Bread, I’m right? Now imagine it with the tangy goodness of sourdough and the savory kick of garlic, absolute perfection! Sourdough garlic naan is my go-to when I want something soft, flavorful, and just a little fancy to pair with my favorite curries or soups.

Trust me, once you try making it at home, you’ll never look at store-bought naan the same way.

What is Naan?

Sourdough Garlic Naan Bread is a type of flatbread that originates from South Asia and Central Asia, widely popular in Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is traditionally made from white flour, water, yogurt, and yeast or another leavening agent, giving it a soft, fluffy texture. Often cooked in a tandoor—a cylindrical clay oven—naan develops its signature charred, smoky flavor, though it can also be made on a stovetop or in an oven.

Key Features of Naan:

• Soft and Chewy Texture: The addition of yogurt and leavening agents makes naan pillowy and tender.
• Versatility: It can be plain or enhanced with toppings like garlic, butter, herbs, or even stuffed with fillings such as cheese or spiced vegetables.
• Serving Pairings: Naan is commonly served as a side dish with curries, stews, kebabs, or lentil dishes, acting as a scoop or vessel for savory flavors.

Cultural Significance

Naan has deep roots in South Asian culture, often considered a special bread for festive occasions or large gatherings. Its variations, such as garlic naan, butter naan, and Peshawari naan, reflect regional tastes and cooking traditions.

This bread, with its rich history and global appeal, continues to be a beloved staple in cuisines worldwide.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR SOURDOUGH GARLIC NAAN BREAD:

• 500 g. Bread flour
• 100 g. Active starter
• 1 cup of yogurt
• 200 g, warm milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbsp of sugar
• 8 g. Sea salt

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR SOURDOUGH GARLIC NAAN BREAD:

1. Add starter, milk, eggs and yogurt in a small bowl and mix until everything is combined.
2. In a large mixing bowl add flour and salt mix well then add wet ingredients.
3. Mix everything together and rest the dough for 30 minutes then knead the dough until you get the windowpane test.
4. Let the dough rest at room temperature for approximately 4 hours.
5. Then separate the dough into small balls I get 9 from this recipe.
6. Cover your dough with plastic sheets and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into an oval shape and let it rest for another 30 minutes. Heat a pan and cook the dough, flipping it when bubbles form, and cook for a few more minutes until air pockets appear. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack, then brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped coriander on top.
7. Cover the bread with a kitchen towel to keep the bread soft or serve hot bread with your favorite Indian dish. Yum 😋
8. Enjoy baking 🥰.

FAQs:

How long does the dough need to rest?

The dough typically rests for 6-8 hours to allow fermentation. If your kitchen is cooler, it might take longer, but patience is key to achieving the perfect texture.

Can I cook Sourdough Garlic Naan Bread without a tandoor?

Yes! A cast-iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan works great for stovetop cooking. If you prefer baking, use a pizza stone or preheated oven for best results.

How do I store leftover Sourdough Garlic Naan Bread?

Wrap any leftover naan in foil or store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To restore its softness, reheat it in a skillet or oven.

Can I make the recipe vegan or gluten-free?

Absolutely! For a vegan version, replace yogurt and milk with plant-based alternatives. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and a gluten-free sourdough starter.

Yield: 9

How to Make Perfect Sourdough Garlic Naan Bread

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Make soft and flavorful sourdough garlic naan bread at home with this easy recipe. Perfectly tangy and garlicky, a must-try for bread lovers!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 500 g. Bread flour
• 100 g. Active starter
• 1 cup of yogurt
• 200 g, warm milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tbsp of sugar
• 8 g. Sea salt

Instructions

1. Add starter, milk, eggs and yogurt in a small bowl and mix until everything is combined.
2. In a large mixing bowl add flour and salt mix well then add wet ingredients.
3. Mix everything together and rest the dough for 30 minutes then knead the dough until you get the windowpane test.
4. Let the dough rest at room temperature for approximately 4 hours.
5. Then separate the dough into small balls I get 9 from this recipe.
6. Cover your dough with plastic sheets and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into an oval shape and let it rest for another 30 minutes. Heat a pan and cook the dough, flipping it when bubbles form, and cook for a few more minutes until air pockets appear. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack, then brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped coriander on top.
7. Cover the bread with a kitchen towel to keep the bread soft or serve hot bread with your favorite Indian dish. Yum 😋
8. Enjoy baking 🥰.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 254Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 390mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 10g