South East Asian soft Bread with some grated garlic added to the dough, lightly brushed with butter.
Garlic naan is a flavorful, leavened Indian flatbread, known for its soft, chewy texture and delicious garlic infusion.
Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics:
Texture: Garlic naan is typically described as soft and puffy, yet also slightly chewy. Traditional preparation in a tandoor oven gives it a delightful charred aroma and crisp exterior, while homemade versions often achieve a similar result using a hot skillet.
Flavor Profile: The prominent feature of garlic naan is the aromatic, savory, and slightly pungent flavor of fresh garlic infused into the bread. It’s also often enriched with butter or ghee, adding a rich, buttery taste and helping keep the naan moist and tender. Some recipes also incorporate cilantro or parsley for an additional layer of freshness and herbal notes.
Ingredients: Key ingredients usually include wheat flour, yeast, yogurt or milk (contributing to the softness and chewiness), water, salt, a touch of sugar, oil, butter or ghee, and of course, plenty of minced garlic.
Traditional Preparation: Naan is traditionally baked in a tandoor oven, where the dough is slapped onto the hot inner walls, causing it to puff up and cook quickly, developing the characteristic blisters and slight charring.
Versatility: Garlic naan is incredibly versatile and makes a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes, especially Indian curries and sauces, as it’s excellent for soaking up their rich flavors. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack, used as a base for pizzas, or paired with dips like hummus or chutney.
