The Garlic and coriander naan Recipe is very difficult to resist. This tear-shaped flatbread originated in the Middle East, but it was the Punjabis in India who introduced it to the rest of the world. It is traditionally cooked on the sides of a tandoor oven, which produces beautiful puffy results. Naan baked in a conventional oven will be flatter, but still very moreish.
Makes 8
Ingredients:
1 large egg
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon Greek-style yogurt
1⁄2 cup milk
21⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
pinch of salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons softened butter
1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne
1 small bunch of fresh cilantro,
leaves picked
4 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
freshly ground black pepper
Method:
1. Whisk the egg, sugar, yogurt, and milk until smooth. Sift together the flour, pinch of salt, and baking soda. Add the yogurt mixture, and combine to make a soft dough. You may need to add a little water, a teaspoon at a time, if the dough seems too stiff.
2. Knead the dough for 3–4 minutes, then add the oil and continue to knead until all the oil has been absorbed into the dough, and the dough is soft and elastic. Put the dough in a bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rest in a warm place (room temperature is fine) for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Crush the garlic with a little salt to form a paste. Stir the garlic purée, cayenne, cilantro, and scallions into the softened butter. Season with black pepper.
4. Divide the dough into eight balls. Smear a blob of the herb butter onto each dough ball, then flatten the dough so that it is about ¼in (5mm) thick and the rough shape of a teardrop. Allow the dough pieces to rise for another 5 minutes before baking.
5.. Lay two naans on a non-stick baking tray, and bake in the oven for 7 minutes until golden. (If you like, you can have two baking trays going at the same time.) Keep the naan warm while you finish baking the rest. Serve with any combination of Indian, Sri Lankan, or Burmese food.
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| Garlic and coriander naan Recipe |
