Butter naan

Butter naan

Butter naan is a type of Indian bread that is commonly served with various dishes such as curries, kebabs, and tandoori chicken. It is made with all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, sugar, yogurt, and butter, and is typically cooked in a tandoor, which is a cylindrical clay oven.

To make this naan, the dough is rolled out into a flat, oval shape and then cooked on a hot tawa (griddle) until it puffs up and develops charred spots. Just before serving, it is brushed with melted butter, which gives it a rich, buttery flavor and helps to keep it moist.

It is a popular bread in Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is often served at restaurants and is also commonly made at home, either on a tawa or in a regular oven.

Ingredients for butter naan

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt
  • 3/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions for butter naan

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the yogurt and lukewarm water, and mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. Preheat a tawa or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and roll each part into an oval shape.
  7. Place the naan on the hot tawa and cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to puff up and develop charred spots.
  8. Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fully cooked and golden brown.
  9. Brush the naan with melted butter and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious butter naan with your favorite Indian curry or as a snack on its own!

Serving suggestions

  • With curries: Butter naan is traditionally served with Indian curries such as butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, or chana masala. Tear off a piece of naan and use it to scoop up the curry for a delicious and satisfying meal.
  • With kebabs: Butter naan also pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken tikka or lamb kebab. Wrap the kebab in a piece of naan to create a flavorful and filling sandwich.
  • As a snack: Butter naan can be enjoyed as a snack on its own, either plain or with a dipping sauce such as raita or hummus.
  • With soup: Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup, such as lentil or tomato soup, for a comforting and satisfying meal.
  • With dips: Cut butter naan into strips and serve with a variety of dips, such as mango chutney, tamarind chutney, or mint yogurt dip, for a flavorful and easy appetizer.

Tips and variations

  1. Use lukewarm water: Make sure the water you use to make the dough is lukewarm, not too hot or too cold. This helps activate the yeast and allows the dough to rise properly.
  2. Let the dough rest: Give the dough enough time to rest and rise before rolling it out. This helps develop the gluten and makes the naan softer and more fluffy.
  3. Use a hot tawa or skillet: To get the signature charred spots on the naan, use a hot tawa or non-stick skillet. Preheat it over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes before cooking the naan.
  4. Brush with butter: Brushing the naan with melted butter just before serving adds a delicious, buttery flavor and helps keep the naan moist.
  5. Experiment with flavors: While butter naan is delicious on its own, you can also add flavorings such as garlic, herbs, or cheese to the dough for a twist on the classic recipe.
  6. Don’t overcook: Be careful not to overcook the naan, as it can become tough and dry. Cook for just 1-2 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked and golden brown.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between butter naan and garlic naan?
A: The main difference between butter naan and garlic naan is the flavoring. While butter naan is simply brushed with melted butter, garlic naan is flavored with minced garlic and sometimes herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Both are delicious and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Q: Can I make butter naan without a tandoor oven?
A: Yes, you can make butter naan without a tandoor oven. A tawa or non-stick skillet works just as well for cooking the naan on the stovetop. Alternatively, you can also bake the naan in a regular oven, although it won’t have the same charred spots as naan cooked in a tandoor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover naan can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the naan in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft.

Q: Can I freeze butter naan?
A: Yes, this naan can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each naan in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the naan at room temperature and then heat in a preheated oven or on a tawa until warm and crisp.

Q: Is butter naan vegan?
A: It is not vegan as it contains yogurt and butter, both of which are dairy products. However, you can make a vegan version of naan by using plant-based yogurt and vegan butter substitutes.

Nutrition

Here is the approximate nutrition information for one piece of naan (based on a recipe that makes 8 naans):

  • Calories: 236
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 303mg
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 6g

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *