Butter Naan

Butter naan is a beloved Indian flatbread known for its soft, fluffy texture and rich buttery flavor. Perfect as an accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from spicy curries to flavorful lentils, butter naan brings warmth and satisfaction to every meal. This homemade version allows you to experience the authentic taste of naan right in your kitchen, with a delightful aroma wafting through as it cooks.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 210
• Protein: 6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Sodium: 300 mg

Why Make This Butter Naan

Making butter naan at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. It offers a fresh taste that store-bought options simply can’t compete with. The dough comes together quickly and requires just a bit of resting time, allowing it to develop that characteristic soft texture. With only a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious side dish that enhances your favorite meals. The fact that you get to brush it with melted butter or ghee gives it an irresistible flavor that perfectly complements rich curries.

How to Make Butter Naan

Creating this soft naan is a breeze! Follow these steps to ensure a perfect batch every time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. This will form the base of your naan and ensure a lovely rise when cooked.

• Step 2: Mixing

  Add the yogurt and warm water to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms. You may find that adding the yogurt gives the naan a wonderful richness, enhancing its flavor and texture.

• Step 3: Kneading

  Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. This step develops the gluten in the flour, making your naan chewy yet soft.

• Step 4: Resting

  Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 1 hour. This resting period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

• Step 5: Dividing

  Divide the dough into small balls. This should give you about 4-6 equal portions, depending on how large you’d like your naans.

• Step 6: Rolling

  Roll each ball out into a flatbread shape. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, which allows for a nice puff when cooking.

• Step 7: Heating

  Heat a tandoor or skillet over high heat. A cast-iron skillet works brilliantly if you don’t have a tandoor.

• Step 8: Cooking

  Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes on each side until bubbly and charred. The high heat creates that wonderful texture and flavor, with the char marks marking them as authentic.

• Step 9: Brushing

  Brush with melted butter or ghee before serving. This adds a luxurious finish and enhances the taste with a rich buttery flavor.

• Step 10: Serving

  Serve with your favorite curry to soak up all those delicious sauces.

How to Serve Butter Naan

Butter naan is ideal for scooping up your favorite curries, stews, and dals. You can also serve it with various dips or as a base for dishes like paneer tikka. For a twist, try it alongside a hearty salad or even rolled up with fillings like grilled vegetables or meat for a delightful wrap!

How to Store Butter Naan

To store leftover naan, let it cool completely before wrapping it in aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze naan by placing parchment paper between each piece, sealing it in a freezer bag, and it will keep for about a month. To reheat, simply place in a hot skillet for a minute or two or pop it in the oven until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Naan

• Use warm water when mixing the dough. It helps activate the yeast for a better rise.
• Don’t skip the resting time! It’s essential for developing the gluten structure.
• Experiment with flavors by adding minced garlic or herbs into the dough for a unique taste.
• If you want a traditional touch, feel free to use a tandoor if you have one!
• Adjust the thickness while rolling; thinner naan will be crispier, while thicker naan will be softer and chewier.

Delicious Variations

• Garlic Naan: Add minced garlic to the melted butter before brushing it on.
• Herbed Naan: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or dill into the dough.
• Cheese Naan: Stuff small portions with cheese before rolling out for a gooey, cheesy treat.
• Whole Wheat Naan: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make naan without yogurt?
  Yes, you can replace yogurt with buttermilk or omit it altogether, using more warm water for moisture.
• What if my naan doesn’t puff?
  Ensure your skillet is hot enough, and do not press down on the dough while cooking, allowing the steam to puff the naan.
• Can I grill the naan instead of using a skillet?
  Absolutely! Grill each naan on a preheated grill, making sure you have enough heat for proper cooking.
• How do I prevent naan from becoming hard?
  Ensure you don’t overcook it and cover it with a cloth after cooking to keep it warm and soft until serving.
• Is it possible to make the dough in advance?
  Yes! You can prepare the dough a day or two ahead, refrigerate it, and just let it come to room temperature before rolling.

Conclusion

Making butter naan at home is a truly satisfying endeavor that results in warm, fluffy bread perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily create this Indian favorite that will impress family and friends alike. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the delightful taste of freshly made butter naan!

Butter Naan

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A homemade version of the beloved Indian flatbread, butter naan is soft, fluffy, and rich in flavor, perfect for pairing with curries and lentils.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Add yogurt and warm water to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 1 hour.
5. Divide the dough into small balls, about 4-6 equal portions.
6. Roll each ball out into a flatbread shape, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7. Heat a tandoor or skillet over high heat.
8. Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes on each side until bubbly and charred.
9. Brush with melted butter or ghee before serving.
10. Serve with your favorite curry.

Notes

For a twist, try adding minced garlic or herbs to the dough. Store leftover naan in aluminum foil or an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 naan
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg