Homemade Indian garlic naan
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One thing is certain, these naans will sure make you forget store-bought naan. Plus these are healthier than restaurant Naans! Chances are, you might start making them at home and stop ordering from the Indian restaurant.
The aroma of fresh cooking garlic naan slathered in warm garlic-butter is killer! A dream-come-true for garlic lover (like me and my family) and a jack-pot for any Indian Cuisine Fanatic!
Naan recipes are plentiful on the internet and we have certainly tried quite a few, before settling on this recipe. We have added in possible alternatives so you can experiment with slightly different textures and flavours. Naan is a very versatile bread and once you have mastered the basic naan the options are endless. Have some fun and try different styles with fennel, nigella or cumin seeds, or add some different toppings.
What is the difference between naan bread and pita bread?
Pita and naan both are flatbreads made from yeast-raised dough, but they are not the same. Pita is harder than naan when it comes to the texture. Pita bread is made from flour, water, yeast, salt and olive oil, whereas naan is made from ghee or oil, eggs and yogurt. This gives naan a totally different consistency.
Naan vs bread: Which is better?
Is Naan healthier than bread? You can’t deny the fact that naan tastes equally great as bread and pair up well with curries for a meal, but one of them is better than the other in terms of health and nutrition. When compared, you will find that Pita bread has fewer calories and fat. This is why it is healthier than naan.
Can we prepare these garlic naans in advance?
Of course, you can. You can prepare the dough and freeze it. Prepare the dough and add yeast to it to rise. Divide the dough into equal portions and make them flat with a rolling pin. Place this flat over the piece of parchment paper. Roll another portion of the dough and place it over another naan with a piece of parchment paper between them. Roll all the portions and place them together inside a ziplock plastic bag and freeze them.
How can we store garlic naan bread?
If you are planning to store naan bread, do not apply garlic butter over them. Let it cool down first after it is cooked at room temperature to prevent it from condensing. Place it inside a ziplock bag in a refrigerator. You can use it for up to 4 four days. It will stay fine at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips:
- You can also use baking powder for proofing the dough in place of yeast.
- You can use a big sized cooker to make the same sized naan.
- Add water to the dough in case it’s too dry.
- Add flour to the dough if it’s too wet.
- You can use a cooker in place of the tandoor.
- Serve it immediately when ready otherwise, it will turn rubbery.
And… last but not the least… there is one more reason to make them at home. The high price of naans in restaurants and in the supermarkets.
Spices used in this recipe
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Nigella Seeds Whole
Product description
Nigella seeds are a small and triangular exotic spice. The seeds are black and have a nutty sharp flavour and pungent aroma. Even tough they can be incorrectly called black sesame seeds or black onion seeds, these are completely different. They are widely used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. They are most commonly used in Turkish bread and are used in the Indian five seed blend Panch Poran.
$3.45 -
Fennel Seeds Whole
Product description
Fennel seeds whole is obtained from the aromatic and tall fennel plant, which originated in the Mediterranean and are member of the caraway family. The seeds release a strong anise flavour that is warm and breath freshening. It is a key ingredient of the Chinese five-spice and Herbs de Provence
The spice people carry these fennel products; fennel seeds ground and fennel seeds whole.
$3.45 -
Celery Salt Seasoning – Mild
Product description
Seasoned salts have become a popular and healthier alternative way to season all manner of dishes. Our blend has celery seeds, sea salt, thyme, sage, oregano, onion, garlic and pepper. They add a tasty flavour without being spicy or dominating the dish. The use of celery salt seasoning means less salt is needed to bring out the flavour of the dish.
$3.45
This basic recipe was inspired by
chefdehome.com
Method
In a large bowl, add luke warm water, yeast , and sugar. Allow to bloom- this means the liquid becomes foamy or frothy. It will take 10-15min depending on room temperature.
Add the warm milk mixture, 1tsp garlic paste, salt, together with 3/4 of the flour, leave some to add later if required.
Mix together well and gently kneed in the bowl till all the flour is combined and you can make a ball with the mixture. If it is still a little wet , add 1 tbsp of additional flour until texture is moist without being too sticky.
Drizzle the olive oil around the bowl and then coat your flour ball.Cover with plastic ad cover with tea towel and let rise at room temperature till it doubles in size. This will take 1 – 1.5 hrs depending on temperature.When the dough has double in size. Punch it down with your fist. Then remove and place on a floured board.
Divide the dough into small 2 inch balls. and place aside.
Heat a skillet on the stove top to maximum heat.
Gently roll out the dough to 1-2mm thickness and use flour to prevent sticking.
If not adding any topping then you can tranfer directly the hot skillet. The bread should bubble and puff up in spots very quickly. Flip the bread when you see this and heat for another 30 sec. remove and keep warm under a tea towel until all are completed.If adding a topping.
Then once you have rolled out he naan. sprinkle the seeds on the board and gently roll over them so they embed slightly into the dough. Then transfer to the hot skillet and cook as above.
When cooked immediately brush with butter, coriander and garlic mixture and keep warm under a tea towel.
