Simple Butter Naan Recipe: 4 Magical Tips
why make this recipe
Butter naan is a beloved staple in Indian cuisine, known for its soft, pillowy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Unlike store-bought varieties, this simple butter naan recipe allows you to customize it at home, ensuring a warm, fresh loaf that pairs perfectly with your favorite curries or grilled meats. Learning to make naan from scratch can be a delightful experience, turning the process into a joyful culinary adventure.
how to make Simple Butter Naan
Making simple butter naan is easier than you might think! By following a few straightforward steps, you can create restaurant-quality naan right in your own kitchen. This recipe combines a few key ingredients, but the result is absolutely magical.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp instant dry yeast
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
- 1 cup warm water
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp minced cilantro
Directions:
- Combine flour, yeast, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed.
- Add yogurt and water. Beat until a shaggy dough forms. Switch to a dough hook and knead for 4 minutes on medium-low speed.
- Flour a work surface. Turn out the dough and sprinkle with flour. Knead into a ball. Divide into 8 equal pieces and form into balls.
- Dampen your hands and gently work with the sticky dough. Add more flour only if necessary.
- Oil a sheet of parchment paper. Coat dough balls with oil. Cover with another parchment sheet and let rise for 1 hour.
- Flour a work surface. Roll each dough ball to about 1/4 inch thick. Lightly flour as needed.
- Gently pull the dough into a thinner, oblong shape. Let rest for 10 minutes in a single layer.
- Preheat a cast iron pan on medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Test heat with water.
- Add one naan to the hot pan. Cover and cook for 30-60 seconds until bubbles appear.
- Flip and cook for 30 seconds more until the dough looks cooked and has charred spots.
- Transfer cooked naan to a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm.
- Melt butter and stir in cilantro. Brush over warm naan.
how to serve Simple Butter Naan
Simple butter naan is incredibly versatile! It can be served with various dishes, including rich curries, grilled meats, or even as a standalone snack with a side of chutney or yogurt dip. For an authentic experience, serve naan hot, directly from the pan, brushed with additional melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
how to store Simple Butter Naan
To store simple butter naan, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the naan. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, reheat it in a hot pan or microwave for a few seconds.
tips to make Simple Butter Naan
- Knead Thoroughly: Ensure you knead the dough well to develop gluten, which lends a soft texture to your naan.
- Let it Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for the best results—this will give your naan that fluffy, airy quality.
- Hot Pan: Preheat your cast iron pan thoroughly before cooking the naan. This helps in achieving those characteristic charred spots.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding garlic, herbs, or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
variation
You can customize your simple butter naan in several ways! Try adding minced garlic or herbs directly to the dough for garlic naan, or sprinkle some nigella seeds (kalonji) or sesame seeds on top before cooking. For a sweeter variation, incorporate some honey into the dough mixture for a hint of sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make this naan without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand. Just mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms and then knead it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
What can I use if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour or a gluten-free mix; however, the texture may vary slightly.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan option, replace yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and use vegan butter to brush on top after cooking.
Enjoy making your simple butter naan, and watch it become a favorite in your household!
Simple Butter Naan
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp instant dry yeast
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
- 1 cup warm water
Topping Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp minced cilantro
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- Combine flour, yeast, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed.
- Add yogurt and warm water. Beat until a shaggy dough forms. Switch to a dough hook and knead for 4 minutes on medium-low speed.
- Flour a work surface. Turn out the dough and sprinkle with flour. Knead into a ball. Divide into 8 equal pieces and form into balls.
- Dampen your hands and gently work with the sticky dough. Add more flour only if necessary.
- Oil a sheet of parchment paper. Coat dough balls with oil. Cover with another parchment sheet and let rise for 1 hour.
Cooking
- Flour a work surface. Roll each dough ball to about 1/4 inch thick. Lightly flour as needed.
- Gently pull the dough into a thinner, oblong shape. Let rest for 10 minutes in a single layer.
- Preheat a cast iron pan on medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Test heat with water.
- Add one naan to the hot pan. Cover and cook for 30-60 seconds until bubbles appear.
- Flip and cook for 30 seconds more until the dough looks cooked and has charred spots.
- Transfer cooked naan to a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm.
- Melt butter and stir in cilantro. Brush over warm naan.
