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Yesterday β€” 5 December 2025Main stream

Easy Butter Garlic Naan

By: Richa
5 December 2025 at 06:12

Β If you’ve ever wished you could make restaurant-style Garlic Naan at home without any stress, you’re going to love this recipe!

close up image of butter garlic naan stacked one on top of the other

Making restaurant-style garlic naan at home is easier than you’d think. All you need is a few pantry staple ingredients and 30 minutes to recreate the best, homemade garlic naan. Since this is a no-yeast recipe, the dough needs almost no resting time, which means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving for it hits.Β 

This recipe keeps things really easy, even if you’re new to making naan. And once you get the hang of it, you can switch things up to add a little chilli to turn it into a chilli-garlic naan, or try our no-yeast naan variation when you want something even quicker.Β  can get the same restaurant-style charred bits and a smokey flavour on the stovetop.Β Β 

Ingredients for Garlic Naan

  • Dry Ingredients: Maida, salt, sugar (helps tenderize, brown and balance flavors), and baking powder (for that signature naan fluffiness)make up the base of this naan.
  • Wet Ingredients: Milk and water help bring the dough together, and a little oil keeps it smooth and easy to roll.
  • Garlic Topping: Finely chopped garlic and coriander for that classic flavour.
  • Finishing: Melted butter brushed on top once the naan is cooked to give it that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Richa’s Top Tips

  • Make sure the pan is hot enough, but not smoking before placing the rolled dough, or it won’t stick properly.Β 
  • Once you make dough balls, leave them to rest on a greased plate or baking tray to prevent them from sticking to the plate or each other.Β Rest the dough properly: Those 30 minutes of resting time make a huge difference. The dough relaxes, becomes easier to roll, and cooks softer.
  • Roll it evenly (and not too thick): A thin, even naan puffs better on the tawa and cooks without turning chewy.
  • Use water to help it stick: Brushing the non-garlic side with water before placing it on the tawa ensures the naan sticks well and won’t fall off when you flip the pan.
  • Cook on medium heat: Too high and the naan burns before it cooks through, too low and it dries out. Medium heat gives the perfect puff and colour.
  • Press the garlic in gently: Lightly pressing the garlic onto the dough helps it stay put while cooking instead of falling off on the tawa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my naan puffing up?

This usually happens when the dough isn’t soft enough or the naan is rolled too thick or too thin. Make sure the dough is well-rested and roll it out evenly so it has room to puff on the tawa.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can swap part of the maida for atta, but using 100 percent whole wheat will make the naan denser and less soft. A half-and-half mix works best if you want a healthier version.

How do I make the naan soft and not chewy?

Keep the heat at medium, roll the dough thin, and don’t overcook it. Removing the naan as soon as it gets those golden brown spots keeps it soft.

Do I need a tandoor or oven for this recipe?

No, this stove-top method gives you the same smoky, charred effect without any special equipment.

Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Keep leftover naan wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for 2 days. Warm it on a tawa with a little butter to bring back the softness.
  • Freezer: Garlic naan freezes really well. Cool completely, stack with butter paper between each piece, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month.
  • Reheating: Heat on a tawa for 1–2 minutes until soft. Avoid the microwave for too long because it can make the naan chewy.

Serving Ideas

Garlic Naan goes with almost any creamy curry or sabzi, but here are some tried-and-loved pairings that turn it into a full, comforting meal:

Customisation Ideas

  • Extra-Garlic Lover’s Naan: Mix grated garlic directly into the dough and brush the naan with garlic butter at the end for a double-hit of flavour.
  • Cheesy Garlic Naan: Right after flipping the naan and letting it puff, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar on the cooked side. It melts instantly and tastes like restaurant-style cheese naan.
  • Chilli-Garlic Twist: Mix finely chopped green chillies into the garlic topping before pressing it onto the dough. Adds heat without changing the recipe structure.
  • Herb Explosion: Swap coriander for fresh chives or parsley if you want a milder, fresher flavour profile.
image of butter garlic naan stacked one on top of the other on a wooden board

Did You Know?

The word β€œnaan” comes from the Persian word nān, which simply means β€œbread.” The earliest mentions of naan date back to 1300 AD in the writings of Indo-Persian poet Amir Khusrau. It was originally baked in royal Mughal kitchensβ€”making naan the original food of emperors.

Now it’s over to you! Make a fresh, cozy, homemade garlic naan without special equipment using simple ingredients for that amazing restaurant-style flavour. Serve it hot, share it around, and watch how quickly it becomes a favourite.Β 

Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @my_foodstory when you make it. I’d love to see your fluffy naans!

Watch Garlic Naan Recipe Video

image of butter garlic naan stacked one on top of the other on a wooden board
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Garlic Naan

Learn how to make delicious crispy butter garlic naan at home without using yeast or a tandoor!
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine Indian
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 Portions
Calories 167kcal
Author Richa

Ingredients

For naan

  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 1 Β½ + β…› teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup maida
  • 2 teaspoons sunflower oil divided

Other

  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 tablespoons butter melted

Instructions

  • Add all dry ingredients, maida, salt, sugar, baking powder in a bowl and mix well. Add 1 teaspoon oil, milk & water and knead for 7-8 minutes till you get a soft, smooth dough. Add oil on the surface of the dough & keep covered to rest for 30 minutes.
    3 tablespoons milk, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch sugar, 1 Β½ + β…› teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup maida, 2 teaspoons sunflower oil, 3 tablespoons water
  • Herb butter: Take melted butter in a bowl, add coriander leaves. Mix and set aside.
    1 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
  • Heat tawa on medium.
  • Divide the dough into 3-4 balls. Take a ball of dough, place it on a rolling platform and roll into a round or oval shaped naan, about 6 inches long and β…› inch thick. Sprinkle chopped garlic and gently press with fingers.
    1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • Brush the non garlic side with water and place the water side on the hot tawa so that it sticks well to the tava (watch video for details). cook on high until bubbles form on top, about 1-2 minutes. Flip the tava over so that the naan is directly over the flames. Set the heat to medium and move the tava around till more bubbles form and naan is brown all over and charred around the edges.
    2 tablespoons water
  • Alternatively, if the naan does not stick to the tava or slips out while frying, you may hold the naan with tongs and fry the naan over flames on either side till they turn brown.
  • Transfer the naan on a plate, brush with the herb butter and serve. Repeat the same process of making naan with the rest of the dough.

Video

Notes

  • If the dough is extremely sticky, add a teaspoon of flour at a time till it’s workable. The dough should be soft and pliable
  • Roll the naan thin so that it puffs up better
  • To make this in the oven, heat the oven to 220C or as high as your oven will go. Place the baking tray in the oven to get it nice and hot. Roll out the naan with all the toppings. Brush the other side with water and place it water-side down on the hot baking tray, being careful not to burn yourself. Now place the baking tray back in the oven. After 3-4 minutes once you see the naan puff up and see bubbles on top, turn on the broil function (or only the top element) and cook it for another 2-3 minutes till it browns a bit. Then take it out and brush it with butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 113IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg

This article was researched and written by Harita Odedra.

The post Easy Butter Garlic Naan appeared first on My Food Story.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Schezwan Sauce | Schezwan Chutney

By: Richa
17 September 2025 at 06:05

This homemade Schezwan sauce is fiery, garlicky, and totally addictive β€” perfect for tossing into noodles, rice, or using as a spicy dip! The best part? You can make a batch and keep it in the fridge for whenever those Indo-Chinese cravings hit.Β 

Learn how to make this simple schezwan sauce which is perfect with chicken lollipops, schezwan rice, noodles and manchurian (Step by step video recipe)

I’ve always been that person asking for extra Schezwan Sauce with my momos so it just made sense for me to start making it at home! It’s cleaner, pocket-friendly, and I can now put this schezwan chutney on everything – dosas, fried rice, noodles.Β  It also makes for a great dipping sauce.forliterally any snack from spring rolls to chakli, and is a must to have in the fridge forΒ  whenever those Indo-Chinese cravings hit!Β Β 

My sister and I have the BEST childhood memories of ordering extra schezwan sauce at our fav Chinese restaurant just to take home and eat it with papad the next day. You guys have to trust me on this combination. It is the ultimate chatpata snack! And now I can have it all the time, and the best part? This Schezwan Sauce recipe is fresh and preservative-free, just how we like it.Β 

Schezwan Sauce Ingredients

Ingredients for schezwan sauce. Pictures here are chillies and water
  • Chillies: I used a combination of Byadgi Chillies (for heat) and Kashmiri Chillies (for colour and flavour). You can change the proportions a little if you want it to be more or less spicy.

The chillies are soaked in hot water to soften them and then blended with a little bit of that water into a coarse paste. We don’t want to break them down completely because we want texture as well. So keep the mixture coarse where you can still see bits of chillies

All the ingredients required for schezwan sauce are pictures on a wooden board, except chillies and hot water
  • Shallots/Sambar Onions/Pearl Onions: Any of these smaller varieties of onions will work here. They have a milder flavour than red onions and soften beautifully
  • Garlic and Ginger: Lots of finely chopped garlic and ginger. I usually buy peeled garlic when I make this schezwan sauce/ schezwan chutney to make life easier
  • Ketchup: My favourite thing to add when I’m making Indo Chinese because it has the perfect balance of sweet, salty, acidic
  • Sugar: Might seem like a lot but you need this to balance out the heat from the chillies
  • Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce to add that hit of umami
  • Vinegar: To add acidity. Use synthetic or rice vinegar
  • Oil: There is 1/3 cup of oil in this recipe. I don’t recommend reducing it. The oil does two things – it helps cook the chillies till they are jammy and helps preserve this sauce so that it can last up to a month in the fridge

How to make Schezwan Sauce

This is a simple recipe that has a lot of hands off time while the sauce is simmering and reducing

  1. Soak: Soak the chillies in hot water to soften them. I like to discard the stems before soaking
  2. Blend: Blend to a coarse paste with a little water. The smoother the chilli paste, the less texture you’ll have in the sauce. And that texture makes a big difference
  3. Saute: Saute the ginger, garlic and onions in oil till they soften but be careful not to brown the onions. As soon as they are translucent, you know they are ready.
  4. Chillies: Add the coarsely blended chillies and all the other ingredients along with water and mix well
  5. Simmer: Let the sauce come to a simmer and then cover and cook, stirring occasionally in between till the sauce reduces and takes on a jammy consistency. You should also see oil floating on top. That’s when you know the sauce is ready and the chillies have cooked down. This process can take anywhere between 25-40 minutes.
  6. Cool and store: Let the sauce cool completely before you transfer it to an airtight container. This will last for up to 4 weeks in the fridge (if you don’t finish it before that πŸ˜‚)
Learn how to make this simple schezwan sauce which is perfect with chicken lollipops, schezwan rice, noodles and manchurian (Step by step video recipe)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schezwan sauce?

Schezwan sauce is an Indo-Chinese spicy chutney made with red chillies, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It’s used in fried rice, noodles, stir-fries, and famously, as a dip for momos at streetside stalls.Β 

Is Schezwan sauce spicy?

Yes! It’s fiery, but the heat is balanced with tang from vinegar and a hint of sweetness. Using Kashmiri chillies makes it less sharp but still bold.

How long can I store homemade Schezwan sauce?

It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in small portions and thaw before use.

Can I use regular chillies instead of Kashmiri chillies?

Yes, but the color will be less vibrant and the sauce spicier. Adjust the chillies based on your spice preference.

Richa’s Top Tips

  • The proportion of chillies will determine heat levels in this sauce. You can play around with this proportion based on how spicy you’d like your schezwan chutney/sauce to be I wouldn’t recommend reducing the oil in this recipe as it helps preserve the sauce so that it can be stored for a month or so. We’ll also be using very small quantities of it for dipping or as a condiment so the total calories are not very high
  • Use a chopper or food processor to chop the shallots, ginger and garlic finely. Makes the task much faster!
  • Taste and adjust sugar, vinegar, and salt until balanced.
  • Make sure to cool the schezwan sauce before storing and refrigerating.Β 
  • Store in the fridge in a clean, dry glass jar.

Serving Suggestions

If you still aren’t convinced about this low-effort high-rewards sauce, here are a few more reasons:

Storage Suggestions

  • Storage: The sauce can be store in a clean, air tight container in the fridge for up to a month
  • Freezer Friendly: You can also portion the sauce and freeze it and it can last for up to 3 months. I sometimes like to portion it out into ice trays and freeze it. Once frozen, I remove the cubes, transfer them to a zip lock and freeze. Then I have perfect portions anytime I want to thaw them.
Learn how to make this simple schezwan sauce which is perfect with chicken lollipops, schezwan rice, noodles and manchurian (Step by step video recipe)

Ever since I discovered this Schezwan Sauce recipe, I make a large batch at least once a month and use it for as long as it lasts (which TBH, is not that long!). I have this with everything!! Once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought and I think that’s beautiful ❀️

If you liked this recipe, be sure to check my other saucy Indo-Chinese recipes like these Chilli Chicken Noodles and Corn Bhel!

Watch Schezwan Sauce Recipe Video

Schezwan sauce in a jar.
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How To Make Schezwan Sauce (Step by Step Video)

Learn how to make this simple indo-chinese schezwan sauce/condiment which goes really well with chicken lollipops, schezwan rice, noodles and manchurian. Makes 1.5 cups. Each serving size is estimated at 1 tbsp.
Course Dips, Dressings & Sauces
Cuisine Asian, Chinese, Indian
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 24 servings
Calories 43kcal
Author Richa

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Vegetable oil
  • 15 cloves Garlic finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 inch Ginger finely chopped
  • 6 Shallots or Sambhar Onions, minced
  • 23 Kashmiri Red Chilies
  • 3 Byadgi Chillies
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 tablespoons Ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Soak the chillies in hot water for half an hour. Add only the chillies to a blender along with 2-3 tbsp water and blend to a coarse paste
  • Heat oil in a pan and add garlic and ginger. Saute on a low flame till the raw aroma goes. Be careful not to brown or burn the ginger garlic.
  • Add the minced onions and let them cook on a low flame till they soften and turn translucent. Be careful not to let them brown.
  • Once the onions look like they are almost melting, add ground chilies, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, salt and 1/4 cup water. Mix well.
  • Bring this to a boil and simmer till the sauce thickens. Oil should have separated, and there should be some oil floating on top.
  • Switch off the flame and let it cool. Once the sauce has completely cooled down, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 15 days.

Video

Notes

  1. Chillies: I used a combination of Byadgi Chillies (for heat) and Kashmiri Chillies (for colour and flavour). You can change the proportions a little if you want it to be more or less spicy.
  2. Shallots/Sambar Onions/Pearl Onions: Any of these smaller varieties of onions will work here. They have a milder flavour than red onions and soften beautifully
  3. Simmer: You should also see oil floating on top. That’s when you know the sauce is ready and the chillies have cooked down. This process can take anywhere between 25-40 minutes.
  4. Cool and store: Let the sauce cool completely before you transfer it to an airtight container. This will last for up to 4 weeks in the fridge.
  5. The nutrition label below is for 15 servings

Nutrition

Calories: 43kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

This article was researched and written by Navya Khetarpal.

The post Schezwan Sauce | Schezwan Chutney appeared first on My Food Story.

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