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To make soft, buttery garlic naan, the dough is prepared at the beginning.
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Take 500 gms of all-purpose flour, more commonly known as maida.
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Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
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Though the role of sugar and salt differs, they are used for flavour, so yeast activates them.
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Baking powder, being optional, makes the naan lighter.
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In another small bowl, warm 200 ml of milk to just above room temperature but not too hot.
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Once it has cooled enough, pour one teaspoon of active dry yeast into the milk and gently mix.
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This preparation should be left aside for 5-10 minutes or until the yeast foams and gets fizzy, which is a good indication that it is ready to combine with dry ingredients.
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That foam is an indication that the yeast is active and will make the dough rise.
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Add the milk-yeast mixture slowly to the flour mixture.
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Add a little of this mixture as you begin to knead the dough.
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The dough must be kneaded well so that all the ingredients mingle well.
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In a matter of a few minutes of kneading the dough, you should have a soft, pliable dough.
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Add 2 tablespoons oil.
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This makes the dough more elastic and soft.
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Mix another 5 minutes.
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The oil is incorporated and pushes back at all points when lightly pressed, which is important for naan.
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Let it rest in a warm place under a damp cloth for almost 2 hours, during which time the yeast makes the dough rise, and it doubles in size.
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At this point, it gets its characteristic soft texture from the relaxation of the gluten in the dough, thereby making it easy to roll into a circle before baking.
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While your dough is rising, you want to preheat your oven to 250 C.
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You are going to place a baking tray inside so that it gets heated too, since placing your naan on a hot tray helps it cook faster and puff up perfectly.
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Slightly punch down the dough so all the air bubbles in the dough are released. Cut it into 8 equal portions.
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Work with a ball at one time.
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Flatten out the ball with your rolling pin to roll it into an oval shape, about 5-6 mm thick.
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That thin is going to make the naan even, ensuring it cooks evenly and puffs up just right.
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Melt butter in a small bowl, then add four minced garlic cloves.
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This mixture will give naan its irresistible garlic flavour.
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Brush this butter-garlic mixture all over each naan to cover the surface completely with it.
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Place the garlic-coated naans carefully on a preheated baking tray and bake in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes.
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The naans puff up and become a appetizing golden brown in the process.
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Cooking the naan on high cooks the naan within a short time; hence, the exterior is crispy while the inside is soft and fluffy.
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Once the naans are done, take them out of the oven and brush some more of the butter-garlic mixture onto them.
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Serve sizzling hot and enjoy with your favourite curry or as a snack for that meal.
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These homemade garlic naans have a soft, flavourful presentation and are easy to make, making them great for enhancing any meal with their butter-garlic goodness.