Garlic Naan: The Perfect Side Dish for Indian Cuisine

Introduction

Garlic Naan is a popular Indian flatbread that is typically served as a side dish with curries, chutneys or other Indian dishes. It is a soft and chewy bread with a delicious garlic flavor that perfectly complements any spicy meal. This recipe is easy and quick to make, requires only a few ingredients and is perfect for any occasion. You don’t need to be an expert in Indian cuisine to make this delicious bread, so let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and minced garlic. Mix well.
2. Add the yogurt and lukewarm water to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Brush each circle with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
8. Place the naan on the skillet or griddle and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until it becomes golden brown and slightly charred.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite Indian curry or dipping sauce.

Tips and Variations

• If you don’t have a skillet or griddle, you can also cook the naan in a regular oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C), place the naan on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes golden brown.
• You can also add other ingredients to the dough, such as chopped onions, green onions, or cheese, to make different variations of naan.
• To make a vegan version of this recipe, replace the yogurt with coconut milk or a vegan yogurt alternative.

Conclusion

Garlic Naan is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that will impress your guests with its authentic flavor. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and requires only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. So the next time you’re making an Indian meal at home, try making this delicious bread and enjoy it with your favorite curry or dipping sauce!

FAQ

What is Garlic Naan?

Garlic naan is a type of Indian bread made from dough and flavored with garlic. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer with Indian curries or other spicy dishes.

What ingredients do I need to make Garlic Naan?

To make garlic naan, you will need all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, garlic, yogurt, milk, and butter.

Can I make Garlic Naan without a tandoor oven?

Yes, you can make garlic naan without a tandoor oven. You can use a regular oven or a stove-top griddle to cook the naan.

How do I make the dough for Garlic Naan?

To make the dough for garlic naan, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, garlic, yogurt, and milk in a bowl. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let it rest for about an hour before rolling it out into naan.

Can I make Garlic Naan ahead of time?

Yes, you can make garlic naan ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the naan in the oven or on a stove-top griddle before serving.

How do I cook Garlic Naan?

To cook garlic naan, preheat your oven or griddle to a high heat. Roll out the naan into a circle and brush it with butter. Cook the naan for 1-2 minutes on each side until it becomes golden brown and puffy.

Can I make Garlic Naan without garlic?

Yes, you can make naan without garlic. You can omit the garlic or replace it with other herbs or spices such as coriander or cumin.

Can I freeze Garlic Naan?

Yes, you can freeze garlic naan. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat the naan in the oven or on a stove-top griddle before serving.

What can I serve with Garlic Naan?

You can serve garlic naan with a variety of Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, or chana masala. It also pairs well with dips such as hummus or tzatziki.

How many calories are in Garlic Naan?

The number of calories in garlic naan depends on the size and ingredients used. On average, a small piece of garlic naan contains around 150-200 calories.