Homemade Garlic Naan

 

Homemade Garlic Naan


Garlic Naan is a soft and fluffy Indian flatbread, perfect for scooping up curries, dals, and other delicious dishes. Making naan at home is easier than you might think and the garlic adds an extra layer of flavor that makes it irresistible. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to making Homemade Garlic Naan.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

For the Garlic Butter:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Procedure:

1. Preparing the Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast:

    • In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

    • In a separate bowl, mix yogurt and olive oil or melted butter.

  4. Form the Dough:

    • Pour the yeast mixture and yogurt mixture into the flour. Mix until the dough comes together.

  5. Knead the Dough:

    • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

  6. Let it Rise:

    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Preparing the Garlic Butter:

  1. Melt the Butter:

    • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Add Garlic:

    • Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  3. Set Aside:

    • Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Shaping and Cooking the Naan:

  1. Divide the Dough:

    • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.

  2. Shape the Naan:

    • On a floured surface, roll out each ball into an oval or round shape, about ¼ inch thick.

  3. Cook the Naan:

    • Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the rolled-out dough onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown spots appear (about 1-2 minutes per side).

  4. Brush with Garlic Butter:

    • Immediately brush the hot naan with garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro.

4. Serving:

  1. Serve Warm:
    • Serve the garlic naan warm with your favorite Indian dishes such as curry, dal, or tandoori chicken.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Naan:

  • Resting the Dough: Allow the dough to rest sufficiently to ensure a soft and airy texture.
  • High Heat: Cooking the naan on high heat will help achieve those characteristic bubbles and spots.
  • Garlic Butter: Apply the garlic butter immediately after cooking to ensure the naan absorbs the flavor.