- Serves: 4-6 (depending on the size of the naan)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Table of Contents
Introduction:
Garlic naan is one of the most beloved accompaniments to Indian cuisine. The warm, fluffy texture, the rich buttery flavor, and the punch of garlic make it a popular choice when ordering from your favorite takeaway. However, while garlic naan is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content, especially when enjoying it as part of a takeaway meal that often comes with calorie-dense curries and sides.
Many people wonder about the calorie count of garlic naan, particularly when it comes from a takeaway, where portion sizes and ingredients can vary. While homemade naan can be more controlled in terms of ingredients, takeaway naan tends to be larger and sometimes richer, depending on how much butter or ghee is used. Understanding the calories in a garlic naan can help you enjoy this flavorful bread while still maintaining a balanced diet.
In this article, we’ll break down the typical calorie content of garlic naan from a takeaway, discuss the ingredients that contribute to its calorie count, and offer tips on how to enjoy garlic naan in moderation. Additionally, we’ll explore variations, pairing suggestions, and nutritional facts to give you a clearer picture of this popular dish.
Ingredients:
The ingredients in a typical garlic naan are simple, but they can vary slightly depending on the recipe or the restaurant preparing it. Here are the key components that contribute to the calorie count:
- All-purpose flour: The primary ingredient in naan, flour is a source of carbohydrates and contributes a significant portion of the calories.
- Yeast: Used to help the naan rise, yeast adds very few calories but is essential for the texture.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the signature flavor but adds minimal calories.
- Butter or ghee: The use of butter or ghee to brush the naan adds richness and flavor but is also a key contributor to the calorie content due to its fat content.
- Milk or yogurt: Some naan recipes include milk or yogurt to make the dough softer and more flavorful. These ingredients add to the calorie count, especially if full-fat varieties are used.
- Salt: While it doesn’t contribute many calories, salt is a flavor enhancer that can affect the overall taste of the naan.
Instructions:
While garlic naan from a takeaway is typically pre-made, here’s a general idea of how it’s prepared, which can give you an understanding of how the ingredients contribute to its calorie count.
- Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Gradually add yogurt or milk, kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. Let it rest for at least an hour to rise.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and roll each piece into an oval or round shape.
- Cook the Naan: Traditionally, naan is cooked in a tandoor oven, but at a takeaway, it’s often made on a hot skillet or grill. The dough is placed on a heated surface until it puffs up and browns on both sides.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Once the naan is cooked, it’s brushed with melted butter or ghee and sprinkled with minced garlic or garlic paste.
- Serve: The garlic naan is usually served warm, often accompanying dishes like curry, tandoori chicken, or kebabs.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Naan:
- Don’t skimp on resting the dough: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for achieving the soft, fluffy texture naan is known for.
- Use a hot surface: Whether cooking on a skillet or grill, make sure it’s hot enough to give the naan a nice char and the characteristic puffiness.
- Control the butter: If you’re making your own naan or reheating takeaway naan at home, you can reduce the calorie count by using less butter or ghee.
Variations to Try:
Garlic naan can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Whole Wheat Naan: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a higher fiber content and a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Herb-Infused Naan: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed Naan: Some restaurants offer a cheesy version of naan, where mozzarella or paneer is stuffed inside the bread before cooking. This adds extra calories but is a delicious indulgence.
- Vegan Naan: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, and use plant-based yogurt or milk to make a dairy-free version of garlic naan.
Pairing Suggestions:
Garlic naan is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few pairing ideas:
- Curries: Enjoy garlic naan with rich, flavorful curries such as butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, or chickpea masala. The naan can be used to scoop up the sauce, adding a garlicky touch to each bite.
- Tandoori Dishes: Naan complements grilled tandoori meats like chicken tikka or lamb kebabs. The smoky flavors from the grill match well with the softness of the naan.
- Dips and Chutneys: Garlic naan can be served as an appetizer with a selection of dips such as mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or spiced yogurt.
- Salads: For a lighter option, pair garlic naan with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, or a tangy kachumber salad.
Make Ahead Tips:
- Dough Prep: If you’re making garlic naan at home, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freeze for Later: Naan freezes well. After cooking, let the naan cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat it in the oven or on a skillet when you’re ready to eat.
Storage & Reheating:
If you have leftover garlic naan from your takeaway, here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results:
- Storage: Wrap the naan in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the naan in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat it on a skillet over medium heat until it’s warmed through.
Allergen Info & Substitutions:
- Gluten: Garlic naan is made with wheat flour and is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may differ.
- Dairy: Traditional garlic naan contains dairy from butter or ghee and sometimes yogurt. For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based butter and non-dairy yogurt.
- Garlic Sensitivity: If you’re sensitive to garlic, you can omit it or replace it with herbs or mild garlic substitutes like garlic-infused oil.
Chef’s Notes:
Garlic naan is a delicious indulgence, especially when ordered from a takeaway, where it’s typically brushed generously with butter or ghee. While it’s easy to enjoy a whole piece (or two), it’s good to be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake. If you’re looking to make garlic naan at home, try experimenting with healthier variations like using whole wheat flour or reducing the butter for a lighter option. Either way, garlic naan is always a comforting addition to any meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
The calorie content of garlic naan can vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes. However, a typical serving of garlic naan from a takeaway contains approximately:
- Calories: 250-320 (depending on size and toppings)
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 400-600mg
Keep in mind that adding extra butter or cheese can significantly increase the calorie count.
FAQs:
How many calories are in a garlic naan from a takeaway?
A standard garlic naan from a takeaway usually contains between 250 and 320 calories, depending on its size, how much butter or ghee is used, and any additional toppings.
How many calories are in garlic naan bread?
Homemade garlic naan tends to be slightly lower in calories, typically around 200-250 calories per serving. Takeaway versions, which often include more butter or ghee, can have a higher calorie count.
How many calories are in takeaway garlic bread?
Takeaway garlic bread, depending on the size and the amount of butter used, typically ranges from 200 to 400 calories per serving. The calorie count can vary widely depending on the restaurant.
How many calories are in an order of naan bread?
Plain naan bread, without garlic or butter, contains around 200-250 calories per piece, while garlic or butter naan may have 250-320 calories due to the added ingredients.
Inspiration to Try This Recipe:
Garlic naan is a true comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it with your favorite curry or dipping it in a zesty chutney, the combination of soft, pillowy bread and garlicky goodness is irresistible. And while it’s important to be mindful of the calories, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for balance. By being conscious of portion sizes or making a healthier version at home, you can savor the taste of garlic naan guilt-free. So next time you’re craving some takeaway or cooking at home, go ahead and enjoy this delicious bread—you deserve it!