Garlic Naan Bread

Soft, fluffy, homemade Garlic Naan Bread is the perfect addition to your meal. This delightful bread is ideal for soaking up sauces from your favorite dishes, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Enjoy the rich flavor of garlic combined with the warmth of fresh naan, creating a dish that stands out at any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even beginners can whip up this delicious naan with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Versatile Side: Pair it with curries, stews, or even as a base for sandwiches—this naan fits well with many meals.
• Customizable Flavors: Add your favorite herbs or spices to the dough for a unique twist on traditional garlic naan.
• Perfect Texture: The fluffy interior and lightly crisp exterior create a delightful contrast in every bite.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for quick meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Garlic Naan Bread, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Non-stick frying pan
• Baking tray

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough effortless and ensures an evenly mixed dough.
• Non-stick frying pan: Allows you to cook naan without sticking, ensuring perfect results every time.

Ingredients

Soft, fluffy, homemade naan bread brushed with melted garlic butter. Perfect for mopping up the sauce from your favorite curry!

Ingredients:
– 2 tsp (7g) instant yeast
– 120 ml (1/2 cup) warm water
– 300 g (2 1/2 cups) strong white bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
– 1 tsp (5g) sugar (caster or superfine)
– ½ tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 150 ml (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) natural yogurt
– 30 g (2 tbsp) melted unsalted butter
– 3-4 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
– 75 g (5 tbsp) melted unsalted butter
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 cloves minced garlic
– 2 tsp dried parsley (or 4 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley)

How to Make Garlic Naan Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Place the yeast in a bowl and add the warm water. Stir together and leave for 5 minutes until foam appears on top of the water.

Step 2: Mix Dough Ingredients

Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, yeast mixture, yogurt, and melted butter to the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until combined.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Continue kneading the dough with the dough hook for about 10 minutes. The mixture will look dry at first but will come together into a sticky dough.

Step 4: Allow Dough to Prove

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or clingfilm, and allow it to prove for approximately 60-90 minutes until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Naan

Dust a work surface with flour. Divide the dough into six balls. Roll each ball into an elongated teardrop shape measuring about 18cm long and around 12cm wide at its widest point.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to its lowest setting to keep cooked naan warm while you prepare them all.

Step 7: Cook Naan Bread

Heat a large frying pan over high heat. When hot, place one naan in the pan and fry for about three minutes until it puffs up.

Step 8: Flip and Finish Cooking

Turn the naan over and cook for another three minutes until golden patches appear on both sides. If you like darker patches, cook longer but be cautious of smoke from the pan.

Step 9: Make Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter, salt, minced garlic, and dried parsley together to create your garlic butter mixture.

Step 10: Brush Naan with Garlic Butter

Once cooked, place each naan on a baking tray and generously brush with garlic butter while they are still hot.

Step 11: Keep Warm

Cover the tray with foil and return it to your low-temperature oven. Repeat cooking each naan while brushing them with garlic butter before stacking them on top of one another.

Step 12: Serve

Serve warm alongside your favorite curry or enjoy them as desired!

How to Serve Garlic Naan Bread

Garlic Naan Bread is a versatile and delicious side that can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Rich Curries

• Butter Chicken – The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with garlic naan, perfect for scooping.
• Chickpea Curry – A hearty vegetarian option that complements the fluffy naan texture.
• Lamb Rogan Josh – The rich flavors of the lamb dish are wonderfully balanced by the garlic-infused bread.

As a Snack

• With Hummus – Use garlic naan as a dip for hummus for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
• Brushed with Olive Oil – Lightly brush with olive oil and serve with herbs for a simple yet tasty treat.

In Salads

• Naan Croutons – Cut leftover naan into cubes, toast them, and use as crunchy croutons in a salad.
• Wraps – Fill garlic naan with vegetables and sauces to create quick, delicious wraps.

How to Perfect Garlic Naan Bread

Making perfect Garlic Naan Bread requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your naan turns out fluffy and flavorful.

• Use Warm Water – Ensure the water is warm but not hot; this activates the yeast effectively.
• Knead Thoroughly – Kneading the dough for at least 10 minutes develops gluten, resulting in a better texture.
• Allow Proper Proving Time – Letting the dough rise until doubled in size helps create that soft, airy texture.
• Cook on High Heat – A hot pan gives you those lovely golden patches while keeping the inside soft.
• Keep Covered After Cooking – Stacking cooked naan under foil keeps them warm and prevents drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Naan Bread

Garlic Naan Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here’s a list of fantastic options to complement your meal.

1. Tandoori Chicken – This spiced chicken dish adds smoky flavors that match well with garlic naan.
2. Palak Paneer – Creamy spinach with cheese provides richness that balances the garlic flavor.
3. Dal Makhani – A comforting lentil dish that is perfect for soaking up with naan.
4. Aloo Gobi – Spicy potatoes and cauliflower offer a great vegetarian option alongside garlic naan.
5. Vegetable Biryani – Fragrant rice mixed with vegetables makes for an aromatic side dish.
6. Raita – A cooling yogurt dip that contrasts nicely with the heat of your main dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making garlic naan bread can be delightful, but avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Boldly skip the yeast activation. Always ensure that your instant yeast is activated properly. If you don’t see foam after mixing it with warm water, your yeast may be inactive.
• Boldly ignore the dough consistency. The dough will appear dry at first but should become sticky after kneading. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water gradually until it reaches the right consistency.
• Boldly rush the proofing process. Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for a fluffy texture. Don’t shortcut this step; it typically takes 60-90 minutes.
• Boldly forget about flour dusting. Dusting your work surface with flour prevents sticking while rolling out the naan. Skipping this step can lead to frustration and ruined shapes.
• Boldly overcook the naan. Cooking each naan too long can result in a tough texture. Keep an eye on them during frying and remove when they are golden but still soft.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store garlic naan bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Garlic Naan Bread

• Place cooled naan breads in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Garlic Naan Bread

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap naan in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place naan on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, place naan in the skillet, and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making garlic naan bread.

Can I use whole wheat flour for Garlic Naan Bread?

You can substitute some of the strong white bread flour with whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.

How do I make garlic butter for Garlic Naan Bread?

Mix melted unsalted butter with minced garlic and parsley. Brush this mixture on top of cooked naan for added flavor.

Can Garlic Naan Bread be made vegan?

Yes! Substitute yogurt with plant-based yogurt and use olive oil instead of butter for brushing.

What dishes pair well with Garlic Naan Bread?

Garlic naan bread is perfect with curries, stews, or any saucy dish as it helps soak up flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Garlic naan bread is a versatile addition to any meal, offering a soft and fluffy texture that’s perfect for mopping up delicious sauces. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences!