Butter naan is one of the most popular and loved types of flatbread in Indian cuisine. This soft and fluffy bread, often served with rich curries and gravies, is a must-try for anyone who enjoys authentic Indian flavors. The naan is made using simple ingredients but requires a little patience to perfect. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make soft, delicious butter naan at home.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
For the Butter Naan:
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/4 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji) (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast might be old, so make sure to check its freshness.
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well. Make a well in the center and add the yogurt, oil (or ghee), and the activated yeast mixture. Slowly begin to combine the ingredients until they form a sticky dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overwork it. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball.
4. Rest the Dough:
Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. You can also place the bowl in an oven with the light on to create a warm environment for the dough.
5. Shape the Naan:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal portions, usually about 6-8 balls. Roll each ball between your palms to smooth it out.
Dust a rolling pin with some flour and roll out each ball into an oval or round shape. The dough should be rolled out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. If you’re using nigella seeds, sprinkle them over the naan dough at this point and gently press them in.
6. Cook the Naan:
Heat a cast-iron skillet or tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the rolled-out dough onto the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles start to form on the surface of the naan. Flip the naan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
You can also use an oven if you prefer: preheat it to the highest setting (250°C/482°F), place the naan on a baking tray, and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they puff up.
7. Finish with Butter:
As soon as the naan is cooked, remove it from the skillet and brush it generously with melted butter. You can also sprinkle some chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
8. Serve:
Serve the butter naan immediately with your favorite curry, dal, or kebabs. It pairs beautifully with dishes like butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, or chole.
Tips for Perfect Butter Naan:
- Dough Resting Time: Don’t rush the resting process; the dough needs time to rise properly. The longer it rests, the softer the naan will be.
- Cooking Method: If you have a tandoor or a clay oven, you can use it to cook the naan for an authentic experience. However, a heavy pan or griddle works just fine.
- Make it Soft: Ensure the dough is soft and moist, which helps in making the naan fluffy. Adjust the water quantity as needed.
- Alternative Ingredients: You can use whole wheat flour if you prefer a healthier option, though the texture will be slightly different.
Variations:
- Garlic Butter Naan: After brushing with butter, sprinkle some finely chopped garlic on top for a garlic-flavored naan.
- Cheese Naan: Add grated cheese inside the dough ball before rolling it out for a cheesy version.
- Stuffed Naan: You can stuff the dough with a variety of fillings like spiced potatoes, paneer, or minced meat for a more filling version of naan.
Making butter naan at home may take a bit of time, but the results are absolutely worth it. The combination of soft, buttery naan with flavorful curries is an experience you won’t forget! Enjoy your meal!
