Garlic Naan Bites
Fluffy, bite-sized pieces of naan loaded with garlic and butter, charred to perfection. These pillowy Indian flatbread morsels come together faster than full-sized naan and are perfect for dipping into curries, dal, or simply enjoying on their own. A crowd-pleaser that disappears in minutes.
For 4 servings
- mix · ~8 min
Prepare the dough.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp sugar, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of baking soda.2.Add 0.25 cup yogurt and 2 tbsp oil. Mix with your fingers until the flour resembles coarse crumbs.3.Gradually add warm water, kneading continuously, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms (about 5-6 minutes).TIPThe dough should be softer than regular roti dough — a little tacky is perfect for pillowy naan. - rest · ~120 min
Rest the dough.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 2 hours. This helps develop a light texture.
TIPIf short on time, rest for at least 1 hour. The longer the rest, the softer the bites. - prep · ~2 min
Make the garlic butter.
1.Melt 3 tbsp butter in a small pan over low heat.2.Add 8 pcs finely minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and just starting to turn golden (1-2 minutes).3.Remove from heat and stir in chopped coriander leaves. Set aside.TIPDon't let the garlic burn — it will turn bitter. Remove from heat the moment it turns light golden. - prep · ~10 min
Divide and shape the dough.
1.Punch down the rested dough and knead briefly for 30 seconds.2.Divide the dough into 16 equal portions and roll each into a small ball.3.Lightly flour a surface and roll each ball into a small oval or circle, about 3 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.4.Sprinkle a few nigella seeds on top of each and press gently to adhere. - grill · ~9 min
Cook the naan bites on a tawa.
1.Heat a tawa or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.2.Place a rolled naan bite on the dry tawa and cook for 45-60 seconds until small bubbles appear on the surface and the bottom gets brown spots.3.Flip the naan bite and cook the other side for another 30-45 seconds until spotted and puffed.4.For a charred finish, hold the naan bite directly over an open flame for a few seconds using tongs, until lightly blistered.TIPA properly hot tawa is key — the naan should start puffing within seconds. If it doesn't, your pan isn't hot enough. - garnish · ~1 min
Brush with garlic butter and serve.
1.Immediately brush each hot naan bite generously with the prepared garlic butter.2.Stack them in a cloth-lined basket to keep warm while you cook the remaining bites.TIPBrushing while hot is essential — the butter melts into every pore, carrying the garlic flavor deep into the bread.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rest the dough for the full 2 hours — this relaxes the gluten and creates a softer, more pillowy texture in the finished naan.
- 2Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or tawa and let it get screaming hot before adding the dough — the naan should start puffing within seconds of hitting the pan.
- 3Hold the cooked naan bites directly over a gas flame with tongs for a few seconds to get authentic charred spots and smoky flavor.
- 4Brush the garlic butter on while the naan is still piping hot so the butter seeps into every nook and cranny.
- 5Stack cooked naan bites in a clean kitchen towel inside a basket to keep them soft and warm while you finish the batch.
- 6If the dough feels too sticky while rolling, dust your hands and the surface lightly with flour rather than kneading in more flour.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic & Herb Naan Bites
Add 1 teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) or 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint to the garlic butter for an herby, slightly bitter contrast that complements rich curries.
Cheese Stuffed Naan BitesCheese-Stuffed Naan Bites
Place a small cube of mozzarella or grated paneer in the center of each dough ball before rolling it out — you get a molten, stretchy cheese center with every bite.
Whole Wheat Naan BitesWhole-Wheat Naan Bites
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat atta for a nuttier, more nutritious version. Add an extra tablespoon of yogurt to keep the dough soft since whole-wheat absorbs more moisture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Energy
The all-purpose flour provides carbohydrates that fuel your body, making these bites a satisfying energy boost when paired with a protein-rich main.
Probiotic Boost from Yogurt
The yogurt in the dough contains live cultures that support gut health and aid digestion, especially beneficial when eaten with fiber-rich legumes or vegetables.
Garlic's Immune Support
Garlic is rich in allicin, a sulfur compound known to support immune function and may help reduce inflammation when consumed regularly.
Frequently asked questions
The dough likely had too much flour worked in during rolling, or it didn't rest long enough. Keep the dough slightly tacky and rest it at least 1-2 hours for the gluten to relax.
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