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Garlic Naan

This leavened bread from India has to be one of the first thing anyone orders from an Indian restaurant. And, while there is nothing to beat a fresh naan pulled from the inferno of a tandoor oven, this simple home recipe comes very close.

A close up of Naan topped with melted butter, garlic and cilantro by Simon Majumdar

Garlic Naan (Bread) Recipe

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(Serves About 4)

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Ingredients​

 

For the Bread:

  • 1 Teaspoon Active Dry Yeast

  • 1 Teaspoon Sugar

  • ¼ Cup Warm Water (To Activate Yeast)

  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

  • 3 Tablespoon Oil

  • 1 Teaspoon Salt

  • 1 Tablespoon Yogurt (Can Be Low Fat)

  • 1 Cup Iced Water

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For the Garlic Cilantro Butter:

  • 1 Stick Unsalted Butter

  • 4 Cloves Garlic (Minced)

  • ¼ Cup Cilantro Leaf (Chopped)

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To Cook:

  • ¼ Cup Cooking Oil

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Instructions

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For the Naan:

  1. Combine the yeast, sugar and warm water in a cup or small bowl and leave for 8-10 minutes to activate.

  2. In a large bowl, place the flour, 2 tablespoons of oil, salt and yogurt. Combine well.

  3. When the yeast has activated, add to the flour mixture and slowly add the iced water, combining to form a smooth but slightly sticky dough.

  4. Turn the dough out on a floured board and knead gently for 3-5 minutes.

  5. Place 1 tablespoons of cooking oil in the bottom of another saucepan and place the dough into that.

  6. Cover with a clean cloth kitchen towel and leave for one hour to rise.

  7. Once risen, knead the dough gently for two minutes, and cut into four even portions.

  8. Roll into balls and place on a baking tray covered with parchment paper.

  9. When ready to cook, heat a large cast iron skillet until it begins to smoke.

  10. Roll the each portion of dough to the classic naan teardrop shape.

  11. Brush the cast iron skillet with oil and place the naan on to the skillet, pulling it out to retain its shape.

  12. Cook for 1-2 minutes a side. Turn once.  Don’t worry if you get a few char marks as the naan bubbles on the skillet as they will add to the flavor.

  13. Keep the naan warm as you prepare the others.

  14. Brush the naan with the garlic cilantro butter (see below) before serving.

 

For the Garlic, Cilantro Butter:

  1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan.

  2. Add the minced garlic and poach it in the butter on a gentle heat.

  3. Just before brushing the naan, add the cilantro (don’t to this too early as it can go black).

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