Naan is a cherished flatbread that is the perfect accompaniment to many dishes like palak paneer, butter chicken, paneer masala, and more. It is consumed extensively in India, and butter naan is often the most preferred flatbread in any Indian restaurant.
Naan is a leavened, oven-baked flatbread made from refined or whole wheat flour, yeast, water, yoghurt, and sometimes milk. It's traditionally cooked in a tandoor, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture and a slight char.
So, whenever you feel like it’s time to try something other than roti, making butter naan at home is a great way to change things up. Make some delicious butter naan during the weekend and enjoy it with your favourite curries.
Making naan at home is a rewarding process, and these tips will ensure you’ll get the best butter naan.
Pick The Right Flour
Flour is essentially the soul of any flatbread, and naan is no different. Typically, the most common flour used to make butter naans is a mix of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. Choosing whole wheat flour alone for naan can lead to a less stretchy texture, making it harder. Stick to all-purpose flour for stretchy naan you'll love.
Don’t Overlook Yeast
Yeast is an important component in making naan. Putting some yeast in the dough ensures aeration of the dough. Not only that, but it also leads to softer and smoother butter naans.
But one thing you need to make sure of is that you have fresh yeast, whether you are using instant yeast or active dry yeast, as using old yeast will not provide you with the same results that you intended.
Yoghurt Is A Must
Once you have added yeast, you should mix yoghurt into the dough. It may seem unusual, but adding some dahi to the dough will take your naan to the next level. The main reason behind this is that yoghurt provides softness and helps in getting the desired texture.
It simply makes the naan more appetising. The other reason is that, apart from adding softness to the naans, it also adds a subtle tang and sweetness to the flatbread. This is an important step that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Make Sure You Rest The Dough
Another crucial step during the preparation of butter naan is that you must allow the dough to rest once you’re done with all the steps prior. The reason behind this is that allowing the dough to rest will help the dough rise completely.
And if the dough isn’t allowed to rest, then it may not rise as it’s supposed to, and you’ll not get your desired results. Simply put the dough in a bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 30 minutes for the best results.
Cook It With the Right Heat
The final step is where you cook the naan. Usually, a naan is prepared in a tandoor, but home kitchens mostly may not have a tandoor, so tawa becomes the next best alternative for home cooks. While cooking the naan, make sure that the stove is on high flame. Once you’ve placed the naan on the tawa, put some butter on it and flip the sides until the desirable brown colour is achieved.