Garlic naan is a beloved Indian flatbread that is soft, fluffy, and perfect for scooping up curries or enjoying with a variety of dishes. This homemade version is made simply in a pan and is sure to elevate your culinary experience. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this detailed guide will walk you through the process of making delicious garlic naan right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Flour: 310 g (2.5 cups) all-purpose flour
- Water: 150 ml (0.63 cup) warm water
- Egg: 1 large egg
- Chili: 1 teaspoon crushed chili
- Green Onion: 30 g (1.06 oz) green onion, finely chopped
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt: ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Butter: 30 g (2 tablespoons) butter
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Flour for dusting: 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Sesame Seeds: to taste
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add warm water, followed by the egg and crushed chili.
- Incorporate the finely chopped green onion and olive oil into the mixture.
- Mix briefly until a homogeneous dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Allow the dough balls to rest for 30 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and season it with salt, black pepper, and the additional flour. Mix well to create a sauce.
- Roll out each dough ball into a circle approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter.
- Brush each circle with the prepared butter sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Fold each circle in half and then roll it up like a jelly roll before flattening it back down.
- Let the shaped dough rest for an additional 10 minutes.
- Roll each piece back out into circles of about 18 cm (7 inches).
- Heat oil in a pan and cook each naan for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus resting time)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 naan
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per naan
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is warm but not too hot to avoid cooking the egg when added to the dough mixture. This helps in achieving the right texture.
- Resting Period: Do not skip the resting period for the dough; this helps in gluten development, making the naan softer and easier to roll out.
- Pan Selection: Use a non-stick pan or a cast-iron skillet for cooking the naan. These surfaces help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without sticking.
Possible Variations
- Herb Infusion: Try adding finely chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley to the dough for an aromatic twist that complements various dishes.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate some shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, into the dough for a cheesy naan experience that melts in your mouth.
Enjoy your homemade garlic naan with your favorite curry, or simply as a delicious side dish! This recipe not only brings the tastes of Indian cuisine to your kitchen but also provides the comfort of homemade bread.