Indian

Homestyle Garlic Naan

Home style butter garlic naan is soft, flavored with garlic and just perfect with classic curries!!

No Indian meal is ever complete without any bread of sorts. Be it ghee laden flaky paranthas stuffed or plain, simple rotis, bhaturas, kulchas, a few classics that Indian cuisine offers. Then we have Naan which is the most popular leavened bread from Indian sub continent and believed to be invented by the Mughals and Persians. And it is the most widely served bread at any Indian restaurant.

As i remember, Naan is not something I’ve grown up eating it was in fact never a part of our everyday meals. I remember dad getting them from outside whenever there would be any gatherings at home or anyday our butter chicken or paneer butter masala needed something different than regular rotis.  Certain curries are complete only when paired with naan.

I love making my own breads at home, this is something which give a sense of satisfaction and breads have always been my first love. And talking about Indian breads, Naan is a one of the most loved Indian flatbread at home and we would order in every time we wanted but by the time we sit to eat they would be all rubbery. It was then I felt the need to give it a try. My first experiment with naan I remember a few years back was a major disaster. The bread turned out tough, rubbery and we just couldn’t eat. But then me being me, I completely refused to give up. With a few trials and errors, I finally have a recipe which gives me perfect soft, fluffy and so flavorful naan everytime.

This one is definitely a keeper and the only recipe you will ever need.

And these are way better than the one’s you get at the restaurants.

Well there cannot be anything better than homemade naan, isn’t!! And these are way too simple to make at home, a few pantry staples flour, yeast, salt, sugar, milk & yogurt and we are all set. Now why yogurt in a bread…because the addition of yogurt to the recipe makes the naan very soft. This recipe is made with yeast and all I can say is that naan made with yeast is definitely more flavorful and chewy than the ones without. I’ve used instant yeast (SAF – Instant) in this recipe but you can always use active dried, all you have to do is activate the dried yeast before proceeding.

And now the process of making dough for the naan is as simple too. In a bowl combine all the ingredients and mix well till it all comes together (if you are using instant yeast add it along with other ingredients, no activation required but in case of active dried you will have to activate the yeast first before starting). Then transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead with hands for about 5 – 6 minutes. The dough will be smooth but slightly sticky and that’s fine, don’t be tempted to add more flour as we don’t want tight dough and tough naans. While kneading the dough I’ve added a lot of minced garlic while which gives it a beautiful garlicky flavor. 

Naan’s are traditionally cooked on tandoor since I don’t have one I’ve cooked mine on cooked on stove top using a cast iron griddle. That final finishing on open flame makes it perfect charred.

You can also bake them in a very hot oven (550F) preheated for about 30 minutes. Bake for 4 -5 minutes and then broil for 1 minute for that charred effect. Brush with melted butter and serve.

When you preheat the oven make sure to keep the baking tray inside as we want the tray to be very hot for the naans to cook perfectly.

Soft naan flavored with garlic, chopped coriander, some melted butter on top what else you need.

Serve it up with curry of your choice. I like to serve mine with my Smoked Dal Makhani or maybe super delicious Classic Paneer Lababdar. Some nice wine along for that perfect evening.

So what are you waiting for, the recipe is yours.

So get over that fear of making naan at home and have great dining experience at the comfort of your home and enjoy the accolades there after.

Until next time

Xo

K

Homestyle Garlic Naan

Home style butter garlic naan is soft, flavored with garlic and perfect with classic curries!!

  • 4 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 2 tsp Instant Yeast
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 3/4 cup Yogurt at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup Warm Milk
  • 2 tsp Finely Chopped Garlic

  1. In a large bowl whisk together all purpose flour, yeast, sugar & salt. 

  2. Add the minced garlic and mix well. Now add the yogurt, warm milk and enough water, start kneading till till everything comes together. The mixture will be very sticky. 

  3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead further for about 5 – 6 minutes till you get a smooth and a sticky dough. If the dough is sticking too much add 1 – 2 tbsp flour but try to avoid as we want the dough to be very soft.

  4. Transfer the dough into a well oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and keep it in a warm place to rise for about 90 minutes. The dough will double up in size by then.

  5. Divide the dough into 12 equal balls, place then on a lightly floured tray, cover with kitchen towel ans set aside for 10 minutes. 

  6. Heat a cast iron griddle on medium high, chop the coriander, garlic and melt the butter. 

  7. Take a dough ball, roll it into oval shape. Since the dough is soft and sticky it gets difficult rolling at times, so stretch with hands till you get the desired shape. Now sprinkle some garlic and chopped coriander on top and gently press with rolling pin.

  8. Place the rolled naan onto the hot skillet, let it cook for about 2 – 3 minutes or until you see large bubbles on top.

  9. Now flip the naan on an direct flame using tongs and allow to cook for 1 – 2 minutes or until you see slightly charred spots.

  10. Brush the cooked naan with melted butter and sprinkle more chopped coriander. 

  11. Serve with curry of choice. 

1) Naans are best eaten fresh.

2) Unused dough ball can be refrigerated for use the next day.

3) You can also freeze the dough for later use, just thaw overnight in refrigerator and bring to room temperature before making naans.