Gathering Ingredients
To create this delicious flatbread, gather the following essential components: wheat flour, salt, oil, water, butter, ginger, chopped green chilies, and
chopped garlic. Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients to make the Tandoori Garlic Naan. This includes the main elements like wheat flour for the base of the bread, salt and oil for added taste and texture, and water for the dough consistency. Additionally, gather ingredients for the garlic-infused topping: butter, ginger, green chilies, and garlic. Having all the ingredients ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. The proper balance of ingredients is key to a good naan, and the garlic topping adds a layer of flavour and taste that makes it especially delicious.
Preparing the Dough
The preparation of the dough is crucial for a soft and fluffy naan. Begin by combining the wheat flour, salt, and oil in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water while kneading the mixture to form a soft, pliable dough. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for several minutes. Once the dough is formed, cover it and let it rest for approximately 30 minutes. This resting period is important as it allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a softer naan. Properly rested dough is the foundation of the perfect naan, contributing significantly to its texture and final taste. The use of oil also adds moistness, helping achieve a tender and delicious naan.
Garlic Butter Prep
Create the flavorful garlic butter that will be brushed onto the naan. Heat the butter gently over low flame in a small bowl or katori. Add the finely chopped ginger, green chilies, and garlic to the melted butter. Stir the mixture well, ensuring all the ingredients are combined, which allows the flavors to meld together, creating a fragrant infusion. This butter mixture is the key to providing the characteristic aroma and taste that makes Tandoori Garlic Naan so popular. The low-heat cooking method ensures the garlic and other ingredients infuse the butter without burning or overcooking, making the flavors more pronounced and enjoyable.
Rolling the Naan
Take a portion of the prepared dough and roll it out. The aim is to shape it into a roti. Once you have rolled out your dough, get the butter mixture and apply it to the base, ensuring that you have covered the entire base. Close and roll the roti once again. This process evenly distributes the flavour. The uniform thickness of the rolled-out naan is crucial for even cooking. The rolling process prepares the naan for baking, which transforms it into a soft, fluffy flatbread. This process readies it for the next step, baking the naan in the tandoor oven.
Tandoor Oven Baking
To prepare the Tandoori Garlic Naan, ideally, cook it in a hot tandoor oven. The high heat in a tandoor imparts a smoky flavor and unique texture to the naan. If a tandoor is unavailable, a hot pan can serve as an alternative. The direct heat of a tandoor gives the naan its signature charred spots and slightly crispy edges. Using a pan is a workable alternative to create delicious Tandoori Garlic Naan at home if a tandoor oven is unavailable. The high heat from the tandoor ensures that the naan cooks through rapidly, preventing it from becoming dry.
Serving Suggestions
Once the tandoori garlic naan is baked to perfection, serve it immediately. This flatbread is best enjoyed with your favorite main curry dish. Its rich garlic flavor complements a wide variety of Indian dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. Tandoori Garlic Naan is a great accompaniment to almost any main Indian dish you can imagine. Whether you choose butter chicken, dal makhani, or any other curry, this naan is the perfect complement. The fresh-baked garlic naan, with its soft texture and wonderful aroma, transforms every meal into a celebration of flavour and taste.
