Indian Garlic Naan Bread

Step 1

In a large glass, dissolve the dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar with 3/4 cup warm water (about 100 degrees F). Let it sit on your counter until it's frothy, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, sift the flour, salt, remaining 1 teaspoon of sugar and baking powder into a large, deep bowl.

Step 3

Once the yeast is frothy, add the yogurt and the olive oil into the glass, and stir to combine. Pour the yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients and add the garlic, if using, and gently mix the ingredients together with a fork.

Step 4

When the dough is about to come together, use your hands to mix. It will feel like there isn't enough flour at first, but keep going until it transforms into a soft, slightly sticky and pliable dough.

Step 5

As soon as it comes together, stop kneading.

Step 6

Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel and let it sit in a warm, draft-free place for 2 hours.

Step 7

When you're ready to roll, make sure you have a bowl handy with flour in it.

Step 8

The dough will be extremely soft and sticky-this is good!

Step 9

Separate the dough into 6 equal portions and lightly roll each one in the bowl of extra flour to keep them from sticking to each other.

Step 10

Shape the naan. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into a teardrop shape, narrower at the top than at the bottom.

Step 11

It should be 8 to 9-inches long, 4-inches wide at its widest point and about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 12

Once you've formed the general shape, you can also pick it up by one end and wiggle it; the dough's own weight will stretch it out a little. Repeat this method with the rest of the dough.

Step 13

Warm a large wok turned upside down on high heat.

Step 14

Place one of your rolled out naans on the upside down portion of the wok until it bubbles and gets nice browned spots. Using a spatula flip it over to cook the other side.

Step 15

Put the hot naan in a towel lined container to keep warm while you cook the rest of them.

Step 16

Drizzle ghee or butter and enjoy hot!