The Best Sauces for Naan Bread!
When it comes to serving up an Indian meal, no banquet is complete without a chewy, fluffy, bubbly naan bread!
But what about sauces for naan bread?
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the very best choices to add to your dinner table, from traditional curry sauces, to buttery garlic dips. We’ll even include a few indulgent treats for those with a sweet tooth!
So without any further ado, let’s get stuck in…
Top Savoury Sauces for Naan Bread
Garlic butter: Melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. It’s an excellent choice for brushing on fresh, hot naan straight out of the oven.
The garlic and butter add a rich flavour that complements the bread’s soft, chewy texture.
Garam masala-spiced oil: A flavourful twist for naan bread is a garam masala-spiced oil.
Combine vegetable oil with garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle this spiced oil over the naan, and you’ll take your bread to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Remember, a little goes a long way with these bold spices!
Raita: This yogurt-based sauce is a cooling accompaniment to naan.
There are countless variations to try, but we recommend starting with a base of plain yogurt, grated cucumber, finely chopped mint, and a pinch of cumin.
Tikka masala: This classic Indian sauce can spice up any naan.
Prepared with tomato purée, ghee, onion, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin, this thick, aromatic sauce is fantastic for dipping naan bread pieces.
Hummus: Blending chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and garlic, this Middle Eastern dip is both tasty and healthy.
Enhance the flavour profile with a sprinkle of spices, such as paprika or sumac, along with a drizzle of olive oil on top.
The creaminess of hummus and the slight tanginess of naan bread make a delightful pairing.
Butter chicken sauce: A go-to favourite for many, butter chicken sauce is perfect with naan.
With its base of tomatoes, cream, and butter, this sauce is luxuriously rich and fragrant. Add a mix of spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin to create a velvety, well-rounded flavour.
Cheese and Other Fillings for Naan Bread
When you fancy a delicious naan bread, why not make it extra special by adding some cheese and other fillings?
With a plethora of options available, you can get creative and impress your family and friends. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Cheese-filled naan is a luscious twist on the classic.
Fill your naan with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or cheddar to create a gooey, melted centre.
You can also add some chopped herbs, like coriander or parsley, to enhance the flavour.
If you’re looking for a more authentic Indian cheese for your naan, paneer is your go-to choice.
This versatile cheese not only complements the taste of naan but also adds a protein-packed punch. Stuff your naan with small cubes of paneer, and for an added twist, sauté them with spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric before filling.
Naan pizzas are another delightful way to enjoy naan with cheese.
Treat your naan as a pizza base, and spread tomato sauce or pesto onto it. Top it with cheese, vegetables, and your choice of protein, such as chicken, paneer, or even bacon.
Bake it in the oven until the cheese bubbles and the edges become crisp.
For a more wholesome and nutritious meal, consider adding protein and veggie-packed fillings to your naan.
Mix cooked lentils, chickpeas, or even minced meat with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and spices for a delectable, protein-rich filling.
Finally, don’t limit yourself to traditional savoury options; sweet fillings can also tantalise your taste buds! Cream cheese mixed with fruit preserves or Nutella can create a heavenly dessert naan.
Remember, the beauty of naan bread lies in its versatility, so don’t be afraid to try out new combinations and experiment with your favourite ingredients.
Sweet Sauces for Naan Bread
Sweet sauces can truly elevate your naan experience and bring out the best flavours of this delicious flatbread.
Here are a few scrumptious options for sweet sauces that pair seamlessly with naan bread:
Honey Drizzle: Honey is a versatile and delightful ingredient that can enhance the taste of many dishes.
Drizzling some honey on your naan bread is a simple yet tantalising way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts to top it off.
Coconut and Sugar Glaze: A beautiful blend of coconut milk and sugar can bring a tropical touch to your naan bread.
Combine coconut milk and sugar in a saucepan, heating the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
Let it cool slightly before spreading it evenly on your naan.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For the chocolate lovers, a generous smear of chocolate hazelnut spread on naan bread is a match made in heaven.
You can easily find jars of ready-made chocolate hazelnut spread in your local supermarket, or you can make your own using chocolate, hazelnuts, and a bit of sugar.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
If you’re on the lookout for delectable vegan and vegetarian options to enhance your naan bread experience, you’re in luck!
Here are some fantastic choices to tease your taste buds and complement your fluffy naan.
Coriander and Mint Chutney: This bright green sauce is a superb blend of refreshing coriander, tangy mint, and spicy green chillies.
To prepare, simply blend these ingredients with a splash of lemon juice and salt.
Not only is it vegan and vegetarian, but it’s also quite versatile; you can even tweak the ingredient proportions to suit your taste.
Tamarind Chutney: For a sweet and tangy concoction, give tamarind chutney a try.
Soak tamarind in warm water, squeeze out the pulp, and mix with jaggery, ginger, and spices. This vegan sauce will add a zing to your naan and leave you craving more.
Tomato and Garlic Chutney: The timeless combo of tomato and garlic makes for a splendid vegan chutney.
Cook tomatoes, garlic, and onions with some choice spices (like cumin and chilli powder), and you’ll have a scrumptious chutney that brings out the best in your naan.
Yoghurt and Cucumber Raita: For vegetarians seeking a cooling accompaniment, try a simple yoghurt and cucumber raita.
Combine grated cucumber with yoghurt, and season with some salt, pepper, and roasted cumin powder.
This refreshing raita pairs perfectly with spicy dishes or warm naan.
Conclusion
In your culinary journey, you’ve now discovered a delightful array of sauces to enjoy with naan bread. Your taste buds will be tantalised by the diverse flavours, textures, and aromas each sauce brings to the table.
Remember, there’s no rule saying you can’t mix and match these sauces to create your unique flavour combinations.
Feel free to experiment and let your creativity run wild!
You may find that tweaking a recipe here and there enhances the sauces’ overall taste, making them even more delicious when paired with naan. Don’t forget to share your mouth-watering concoctions with your friends and family – they’ll surely thank you for it!
