Description
Savory garlic naan bread emerges as a delightful companion to Indian cuisine, offering rich flavors from Northern India. Warm flatbread seasoned with aromatic garlic will transport you directly to authentic culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (946 ml) plain flour
- ¾ cup (177 ml) warm milk
- ¾ cup (170 g) Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) butter, melted
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for butter topping)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tsps active dry yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tsps granulated sugar
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Whisk warm water, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes frothy and aromatic, signaling yeast activation after 7-10 minutes.
- Dough Preparation: Combine activated yeast with milk, yogurt, oil, minced garlic, flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold ingredients until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough emerges, ensuring all components are thoroughly integrated.
- Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead methodically using the heel of your palm. Work the dough for 4-6 minutes to develop elasticity and create a smooth, uniform texture.
- First Rise: Coat the mixing bowl with oil, return the dough, and cover with a damp cloth. Allow the dough to rest in a draft-free area until it doubles in volume, approximately 60-75 minutes.
- Shaping and Rolling: Deflate the risen dough and divide into 10 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball, then roll out into elongated ovals approximately ⅛ inch thick using a rolling pin.
- Cooking Technique: Preheat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface and cook each naan for 1-2 minutes per side, watching for bubbling and golden-brown char marks.
- Finishing Touch: Immediately brush cooked naans with garlic-infused butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Wrap in a clean kitchen towel to preserve warmth and softness, creating a delectable, restaurant-quality bread.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast performance, preventing killing or under-activation.
- Dough Consistency Check: Aim for a slightly tacky texture that springs back when gently pressed, indicating proper hydration and kneading.
- Heat Management Crucial: Use medium-high heat to achieve signature charred spots without burning the naan’s delicate surface.
- Butter Brushing Secret: Apply garlic-infused butter immediately after cooking to maximize flavor absorption and create a glossy, irresistible finish.
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 215 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg