How to make delicious Butter Naan at home

About

Butter Naan is a popular Indian flatbread known for its soft, fluffy texture and rich buttery flavor. It is a classic accompaniment to various Indian curries and gravies, including Paneer Lababdar. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), this delectable bread can also be prepared on a stovetop or in an oven at home. The combination of buttery goodness and slight charred spots on the surface makes Butter Naan a favorite among food enthusiasts both in India and around the world.

Butter naan with oven

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup melted butter for brushing
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
2. Add melted butter, yogurt, milk. Mix all the ingredients together.
3. Add warm water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 2 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) or the highest temperature of your oven.
5. Divide the dough into equal parts and roll out each piece into a teardrop shape.
6. Place the naan on a baking sheet and brush melted butter on top.
7. Bake the naan for 5-7 minutes, or until it is lightly browned.
8. Remove the naan from the oven and brush with more melted butter. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
9. Serve hot with your favorite curry or dip.

Enjoy your homemade butter naan!

Butter naan without oven

Here’s a recipe for making butter naan on the stovetop without an oven:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the yogurt and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Gradually add the warm milk and knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, divide the dough into 6-8 equal parts.
6. Roll each part into a circle or oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Heat a skillet or tawa over medium-high heat.
8. Place the naan on the skillet and cook for about 1 minute or until bubbles start to form on the surface.
9. Flip the naan over and cook for another minute.
10. Using tongs, remove the naan from the skillet and place it on a plate.
11. Brush the melted butter on top of the naan and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
12. Repeat with the remaining dough portions.

Enjoy your homemade butter naan cooked on the stovetop!

Nutritional value of Butter naan

Here is the nutritional information for Butter Naan (per 1 piece serving):

• Calories: 317
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 621mg

Butter Naan is relatively high in calories and carbohydrates, which makes it a filling and satisfying accompaniment to Indian curries and gravies. However, it is also high in fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, the all-purpose flour used in naan does not provide much nutritional value, so it is important to pair it with other nutrient-dense foods.

Health Benefits

While Butter Naan is a delicious and indulgent treat, it is important to note that it is not typically considered a health food. Butter Naan is made with all-purpose flour, which lacks the nutritional benefits of whole grains. Additionally, it contains butter, which is high in saturated fat.

However, Butter Naan can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It provides carbohydrates for energy and can be a source of satisfaction and enjoyment in a meal. To make it slightly healthier, you can use whole wheat flour and reduce the amount of butter used while preparing the Naan. Pairing it with nutrient-rich curries, like Paneer Lababdar, and other wholesome dishes can help create a more balanced meal. As with all foods, moderation is key to enjoying Butter Naan while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Tips and Tricks

1. Use Yogurt: Adding yogurt to the dough will make the Butter Naan soft and tender. The acidity in the yogurt helps to activate the leavening agents, resulting in a fluffy texture.
2. Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest for at least 1 hour to develop the gluten, making it easier to roll out and preventing the Naan from becoming tough.
3. Rolling Technique: Roll the dough into oval or round shapes, and make sure they are of even thickness for even cooking.
4. Use a Hot Tava or Skillet: Preheat the tava or skillet on medium-high heat before cooking the Naan. This will ensure it puffs up nicely and cooks evenly.
5. Use Ghee: Brushing the cooked Butter Naan with ghee (clarified butter) immediately after removing from the tava will enhance the flavor and give it a glossy finish.
6. Garlic and Herbs: For added flavor, you can mix minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley) into the dough before rolling out the Naan.
7. Steam Technique: To get that characteristic softness, you can apply a little water on one side of the rolled Naan just before placing it on the tava. The steam generated will puff up the Naan.
8. Stove and Oven Method: If you don’t have a tava, you can also cook the Naan on a preheated baking sheet in the oven. Use the broil setting for a few minutes until it puffs up and gets slightly charred.
9. Keep Warm: Wrap the cooked Butter Naan in a clean cloth or foil to keep it warm and soft until serving.
10. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding nigella seeds, sesame seeds, or even crushed red pepper flakes to the dough for a unique twist to your Butter Naan.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy your delicious homemade Butter Naan:

1. Curries and Gravies: Butter Naan pairs perfectly with a variety of Indian curries and gravies. Serve it alongside dishes like paneer tikka masala, dal makhani, or any other rich and flavorful curry.
2. Tandoori Delights: Enjoy Butter Naan with tandoori dishes like tandoori paneer, or tandoori vegetables. The naan’s soft texture complements the smoky flavors of tandoor-cooked dishes.
3. Vegetable Biryani: Serve Butter Naan with aromatic vegetable biryani for a satisfying combination. The naan’s slightly chewy texture contrasts well with the fragrant rice and vegetables.
4. Raita and Chutney: Pair your Butter Naan with cooling yogurt-based raita or tangy chutneys like mint chutney or tamarind chutney. These sides balance the richness of the naan.
5. Kebabs and Grilled Meats: Serve Butter Naan alongside kebabs, grilled meats, or barbecue dishes. The naan’s buttery goodness complements the savory flavors of grilled proteins.
6. Street Food Inspiration: Recreate street food experiences by using Butter Naan as a base for creating wraps or rolls with fillings like paneer tikka, kebabs, and vegetables.
7. Homestyle Comfort: Enjoy Butter Naan with simple, home-cooked sabzis (vegetable dishes) or lentil curries for a comforting and wholesome meal.
8. Solo Snacking: Savor Butter Naan on its own as a snack, perhaps with a drizzle of ghee or sprinkled with your favorite herbs and spices.
9. Family Meals: Incorporate Butter Naan into family meals, allowing everyone to tear and share the warm and fluffy bread.
10. Special Occasions: Serve Butter Naan at special gatherings, parties, or festive occasions to treat your guests to a classic Indian bread.

Remember to brush the hot Butter Naan with some melted butter just before serving to enhance its flavor and aroma. Whether you’re enjoying it with a hearty curry, a refreshing side, or as a standalone delight, Butter Naan brings a wonderful touch to your dining experience.

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