Garlic Naan

Citrus Free, Corn Free, Egg Free, Nut Free, Pescatarian, Soy Free, Vegetarian

172 Calories | 3g Protein | 24g Carbs | 7g Fat | 1g Fiber

2 hours 40 minutes | 8 servings

Soft, pillowy, garlicky flatbread that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.

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Why You'll Love This

This homemade naan is warm, tender, and ridiculously satisfying, with those perfect charred bubbles that make it irresistible. No fancy equipment needed, just a bowl, a pan, and a little patience while the dough does the rising thing. This recipe makes enough to share with your family or freeze for future you when you need a side dish but don't have the energy, or time, to start from scratch.

The Nutrition Profile

Each piece of naan delivers about 172 calories with 24g of carbs, 7g of fat, and 3g of protein. This is comfort food that actually gives you some sustained energy, thanks to the combination of flour and yogurt.

The yogurt adds a subtle tang and keeps the bread tender while contributing a bit of protein and calcium. As we age, calcium needs increase for bone health and getting it from varied sources throughout our diet is far better than a supplement.

The garlic brings more than just flavor; garlic contains compounds that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties. You're not loading up on micronutrients here, but you're also not eating empty calories. This is real food that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, and curries, turning a simple meal into something that feels special.

The Ingredient List

This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples you probably already have. You'll need all-purpose flour, instant yeast, water, a bit of sugar to feed the yeast, plain whole milk yogurt, olive oil, salt, and garlic powder.

If you can't tolerate dairy anymore (a common shift during perimenopause), you can use a thick, plain plant-based yogurt. Just make sure it's not too thin, or your dough might be too sticky.

The melted butter and fresh parsley at the end are optional but highly recommended for that restaurant-quality finish. If you want to amp up the garlic flavor, add fresh minced garlic to the melted butter before brushing it on.

You can also experiment with different toppings like nigella seeds, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of za'atar for a different flavor profile.

The Practical Stuff

Naan stores really well, which is why you should consider making the full batch even if you're cooking for one or two. Maybe even make a double batch when you have the energy, stash extras in the freezer, and grab some when you need an easy weeknight side. It’ll keep it in the fridge in a freezer bag for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.

To freeze properly, place parchment paper between each piece so they don't stick together. When you want some, just pull out what you need and reheat it in a pan or wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven.

The total time is about two hours and 40 minutes, but most of that is passive rising time. Your actual hands-on work is maybe 20-ish minutes.

The Method

Start by mixing warm water, instant yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it gets foamy. This step tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work.

While the yeast does it’s thing, combine your flour, salt, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the flour along with oil and yogurt.

Mix everything until it comes together, then knead it until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the bowl, about five minutes. Transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise somewhere warm for two hours until it doubles in size.

After it rises, punch down the dough (let the meno-rage flow through you) and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece out to about a quarter-inch thickness.

Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Once it's hot, add one piece of dough and cook for two to three minutes until you see bubbles form and the bottom gets golden brown with some char. Flip it and cook the other side.

Repeat with the remaining pieces. If you want that classic naan look, brush each piece with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley while it's still warm.

Why This Works

This garlic naan is exactly what you need when you want something warm, comforting, and different that your typical bread isle sides. It's tender, flavorful, and makes any meal feel more cozy. Plus, it freezes like a dream, so you can batch it out when you have the bandwidth and pull from the freezer when you don't.

That's how you set yourself up for success during menopause: work smarter, not harder, and give yourself permission to keep things simple.

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