Garlic Naan Bites
Soft, pillowy mini naan breads brushed with a fragrant garlic and cilantro butter. These bite-sized treats are perfect for dipping into curries or enjoying as a party appetizer. Irresistibly fluffy and flavorful!
For 4 servings
Prepare and Rest the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted maida, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the curd and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil.
- Begin mixing with your fingers or a spatula, gradually adding warm water a little at a time.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until you have a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Lightly grease the dough with a few drops of oil, place it back in the bowl, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free place for 90 to 120 minutes, or until it has doubled in volume.
Make the Garlic Butter Topping
- While the dough is resting, prepare the garlic butter.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Stir in the finely minced garlic, chopped coriander leaves, and optional red chili flakes. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
Shape the Naan Bites
- Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the trapped air.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 1 minute.
- Roll the dough out evenly to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass, cut out small circles from the dough.
- Gather the leftover scraps, gently re-roll, and cut more circles until all the dough is used.
Cook the Naan Bites
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed tawa over medium-high heat. The skillet should be quite hot before you begin.
- Carefully place a few naan bites onto the hot skillet, leaving some space between them.
- Cook for about 60-90 seconds on the first side, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the bottom has golden-brown spots.
- Flip the bites with tongs and cook the other side for another 60-90 seconds until they puff up and are cooked through.
- Repeat this process in batches with the remaining dough circles.
Garnish and Serve
- As each batch of naan bites is cooked, transfer them to a plate or a cloth-lined container.
- Immediately and generously brush the hot naan bites with the prepared garlic butter.
- Serve warm as an appetizer with mint chutney or as a side with your favorite curry like Dal Makhani or Paneer Butter Masala.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the softest naan, use full-fat, room temperature curd (yogurt).
- 2Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the leavening agents without killing them.
- 3Do not roll the dough too thin; a 1/4-inch thickness is ideal for a fluffy, pillowy texture.
- 4Keep cooked naan bites in a covered casserole dish to keep them soft and warm while you finish cooking the entire batch.
- 5For a tandoor-like char, you can carefully hold a cooked naan over an open gas flame for a few seconds using tongs.
- 6The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature for 30-40 minutes before rolling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese-Stuffed
Place a small amount of grated mozzarella or paneer in the center of a dough circle, cover with another, seal the edges, and cook as directed.
Herb VariationHerb Variation
Replace coriander with finely chopped mint, parsley, or dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) in the garlic butter.
Whole Wheat VersionWhole Wheat Version
For a healthier alternative, substitute half of the maida with whole wheat flour (atta). The texture will be slightly denser but equally delicious.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add finely chopped green chilies to the dough or to the garlic butter for an extra layer of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
The use of curd (yogurt) introduces beneficial probiotics into the dough, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion.
Immunity Support from Garlic
Garlic is rich in allicin, a compound known for its immune-boosting and antibacterial properties, which may help the body fight off common illnesses.
Source of Energy
Made from flour, these naan bites are a good source of carbohydrates, providing a quick and effective energy boost to fuel your body's activities.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of 6 Garlic Naan Bites contains approximately 420-440 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, especially the amount of butter and oil.