Garlic Naan
South Asian Dubai • Dubai
About Garlic Naan
Tandoor-baked flatbread brushed with garlic and butter.
How to Make Garlic Naan (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Garlic Naan holds a beloved place on Dubai’s dining tables, from beach club brunches to bustling hotel restaurants and Ramadan iftar spreads. This soft, fragrant flatbread is brushed with aromatic garlic and fresh coriander, making it a perfect companion to Levantine mezze like hummus, smoky moutabal, or hearty Emirati stews. In Dubai, you’ll find garlic naan served fresh from tandoor ovens in business lunch buffets and alongside slow-cooked meat dishes at iftar, reflecting the city’s vibrant fusion of South Asian and Middle Eastern flavors. While naan is rooted in South Asian culinary tradition, Dubai has embraced it as a staple, transforming it into a crowd-pleaser that bridges cultures across the city’s diverse food scene. This recipe is a health-conscious take, using less oil and yogurt for a lighter finish without sacrificing the pillowy texture or robust garlic flavor. Whether enjoyed with a karak chai for breakfast or as a base for your favorite mezze platter, Garlic Naan is a versatile, vegetarian-friendly bread that brings Dubai’s multicultural dining experience straight to your home kitchen.
Ingredients(for 1 medium naan (approx. 100g), ideal for Dubai-style mezze or mains)
- 1 cup Whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 cup Plain low-fat yogurt (laban)
- 1/3 cup Warm water (as needed)
- 1 teaspoon Active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (zayt zaitoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (malh)
- 3 Fresh garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh coriander (qadhra)
- 1 tablespoon Melted light butter (for brushing (or ghee)) - optional
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, dissolve active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
5 minutes
Use lukewarm water, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix well.
2 minutes
Sifting the flour results in a softer naan.
- 3
Add yogurt, olive oil, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3 minutes
Drizzle olive oil around the bowl to prevent sticking.
- 4
Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
7 minutes
A longer rise gives a lighter, airier naan.
Why This Dish is Healthy
Choosing baked or pan-cooked naan with whole wheat flour boosts your fiber intake and keeps you fuller for longer, making it ideal for balanced Dubai meals. By reducing butter and using low-fat ingredients, this recipe cuts calories without sacrificing taste. The inclusion of fresh herbs and garlic not only adds flavor but also natural health benefits, making this a smart option for anyone seeking delicious, wholesome Dubai cuisine.
This healthy Garlic Naan recipe is lower in fat and calories by using whole wheat flour and minimal oil. It supplies complex carbohydrates for energy, plant-based protein, and dietary fiber for better digestion. Garlic provides antioxidants and supports immune health, while coriander adds vitamins A, C, and K. Using low-fat yogurt instead of cream helps reduce saturated fat content. This bread is vegetarian, halal, and pairs well with nutrient-rich mezze or lean proteins.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Let dough rise in a slightly warm oven for a quicker, better rise.
- 💡Tip 2: For extra flavor, infuse olive oil with garlic before brushing.
- 💡Tip 3: Serve naan fresh and warm for the best texture and taste.
Storage & Serving
Store cooled naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or refrigerate for 2 days. Reheat on a skillet or in the oven to restore softness.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 290.0 kcal |
| Protein | 8.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46.0 g |
| Total Fat | 8.0 g |
| Fiber | 2.0 g |
Cultural Notes
Garlic Naan is a DubaiCalorie priority food for Dubai dining, UAE portions and local lifestyle tracking.
