Easy Homemade Garlic Butter Naan Recipe

Introduction

Naan is a popular Indian bread that is soft, fluffy, and perfect for scooping up curries or enjoying on its own. This easy homemade garlic butter naan recipe takes the classic naan to a whole new level with the addition of aromatic garlic and rich butter. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can recreate this restaurant-style favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To make this delicious garlic butter naan, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon instant yeast

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 cup plain yogurt

– 3/4 cup warm water

– 2 tablespoons melted butter

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Steps

Follow these simple steps to make your own homemade garlic butter naan:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Add the plain yogurt and warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Naan

Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into small balls.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin oval or round shape.

Heat a skillet or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

Place the rolled naan onto the hot skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to form.

Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it puffs up and develops golden brown spots.

Remove the cooked naan from the skillet and brush it with melted garlic butter.

Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top if desired.

Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.

Variations

While garlic butter naan is already delicious on its own, you can also get creative and try some variations:

– Cheese Naan: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the naan after flipping it. Cook until the cheese melts and the naan is golden brown.

– Peshawari Naan: Stuff the naan with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and sugar before rolling it out. Cook as usual.

– Chili Garlic Naan: Add some minced chili peppers or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your garlic butter naan turns out perfectly:

– Make sure the water you use to activate the yeast is warm, but not too hot. Hot water can kill the yeast.

– Letting the dough rest and rise is crucial for soft and fluffy naan. Don’t rush this step.

– If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.

– For an even more pronounced garlic flavor, you can infuse the melted butter with minced garlic for a few minutes before brushing it on the naan.

Conclusion

Homemade garlic butter naan is a delightful addition to any meal, and with this easy recipe, you can enjoy it whenever you want. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite curry or enjoying it as a standalone snack, the soft and garlicky naan will satisfy your taste buds. So, why not give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills?

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and cooking the naan.

Can I freeze the cooked naan?

Absolutely! Once the naan is cooked and cooled, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the naan and warm it in a skillet or oven until heated through.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the naan may be slightly different.

Can I make mini naans instead of large ones?

Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller balls to make mini naans. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.