Garlic Naan Bread

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about freshly baked naan bread, especially when it’s warm, fluffy, and infused with garlic flavor. This garlic naan recipe has become a staple in my household, and it never fails to impress. Whether served alongside a spicy curry or enjoyed on its own, this naan bread quickly disappears from the table. My family loves the rich, buttery topping, which elevates the bread to another level. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you!

Ingredients

Naan Breads:

• ¼ cup warm water
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp active dry yeast (or instant)
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¾ cup Greek or plain yogurt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (plus 2 tbsp extra for cooking)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt

Garlic Butter Topping:

• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Instructions

For Naan Bread:

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add warm milk, yogurt, vegetable oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease the mixing bowl, return the dough to it, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape Naan: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a 6-inch oval, about ⅛-inch thick.

Cooking the Naan:

6. Heat Skillet: Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Grease the skillet with about ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil.
7. Cook Naan: Place one naan on the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface. Brush the top with a little oil while it’s cooking.
8. Flip: Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden spots appear.
9. Keep Warm: Remove the naan from the skillet and wrap it in a clean towel to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining dough.

For Garlic Butter Topping:

10. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush each naan with the garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs.
11. Serve: Enjoy the naan warm alongside your favorite dishes!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 10 naan breads
• Calories per serving: Approximately 160 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Pair with your favorite curries or stews.
• Use as a base for flatbread pizzas.
• Serve with hummus or dips for a snack.
• Enjoy alongside soups for a hearty meal.
• Serve with a fresh salad for a complete dinner.

Additional Tips

1. Flour Type: Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer naan.
2. Extra Flavor: Add herbs or spices to the dough for added flavor, such as cumin or coriander.
3. Skillet Temperature: Ensure your skillet is properly heated for the best puff and char on the naan.
4. Storing Dough: If you want to make the dough in advance, you can refrigerate it after the first rise and bake it the next day.
5. Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like cheese or even pesto for a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Naan: Add shredded cheese inside the dough before rolling it out for a cheesy surprise.
• Spiced Naan: Mix in spices like garam masala or turmeric for added flavor.
• Whole Wheat Naan: Substitute half or all of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

• With Curries: Serve with butter chicken, lamb curry, or vegetable tikka masala for a delicious combination.
• Dipping Sauces: Pair with yogurt sauce, mint chutney, or a spicy salsa for dipping.
• As a Snack: Use naan as a base for sandwiches or wraps.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow the naan to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
• Refrigeration: Store leftover naan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

• Yes, you can use instant yeast without needing to activate it in water.

1. What if my dough doesn’t rise?

• Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the dough is kept in a warm environment for rising.

1. Can I make naan without yogurt?

• Yes, you can substitute yogurt with additional milk or use a dairy-free alternative.

1. How do I know when my naan is cooked?

• Look for bubbles on the surface and golden spots on the underside.

1. Can I cook naan on a grill?

• Absolutely! Just ensure the grill is preheated and use indirect heat.

1. What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

• A non-stick skillet or griddle works well too.

1. How can I make naan spicier?

• Add minced chili or cayenne pepper to the dough for heat.

1. Can I add ingredients to the dough?

• Yes! Herbs, spices, or even finely chopped onions can be added for extra flavor.

1. What’s the best way to reheat naan?

• Warm it in a skillet for a few minutes or wrap it in foil and heat in the oven.

1. Is naan suitable for freezing?
   • Yes, naan freezes well and can be reheated without losing quality.

Conclusion

Garlic naan bread is not just a side dish; it’s an experience! This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you just want to enjoy some homemade goodness. The combination of warm, fluffy bread with the aromatic garlic butter is simply irresistible. Once you try this recipe, you may never want to buy store-bought naan again. Enjoy making this delightful bread, and watch it become a favorite in your home as it has in mine!

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