Mediterranean Dinner Party: Homemade Naan with Garlic Butter and Parsley Dip
Hosting a Mediterranean dinner party is a fantastic way to bring together friends and family over delicious and flavorful food. One of my favorite dishes to serve is homemade naan with a garlic butter drizzle, accompanied by a fresh and zesty parsley dip. This naan recipe is easy to make and pairs perfectly with a variety of Mediterranean dishes. Plus, you have the option to cook the naan on a grill for an extra smoky flavor.
Homemade Naan Recipe
Ingredients for Naan Bread:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Garlic Butter:
- 1 stick of butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it begins to bubble on top.
- Add in the Greek yogurt, oil, flour, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together with your hands.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured counter and knead until smooth, about 8 to 10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for an hour until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Naan:
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto the counter and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and use a rolling pin to shape each piece into a large oval.
- Cook the Naan on the Stove:
- Heat a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Grease the skillet with 1/2 teaspoon of oil.
- Place one piece of naan on the oiled skillet and cook until bubbles form on top (1-2 minutes). Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until large golden spots appear on the bottom.
- Optional: Cook the Naan on the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the shaped naan dough directly on the grill grates and cook until bubbles form on top and the bottom has grill marks (1-2 minutes). Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until large golden spots appear.
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- While cooking the naan, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a bowl.
- Brush the hot naan with the garlic butter mixture before serving.
Parsley Dip Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Season to Taste:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for a Perfect Mediterranean Dinner Party
Presentation Matters:
- Serve the warm naan on a large platter with the parsley dip in a decorative bowl. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Create a Full Spread:
- Pair the naan and parsley dip with other Mediterranean favorites like hummus, tzatziki, and grilled halloumi skewers to create a diverse and delicious spread.
Plan Ahead:
- Prepare the naan dough and parsley dip in advance to save time on the day of the party. The dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Set the Scene:
- Decorate your table with Mediterranean-themed items such as blue and white linens, fresh flowers, and candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Enjoy the Process:
- Mediterranean dining is all about enjoying the moment and the company. Relax, have fun, and savor the delicious flavors with your guests.
Hosting a Mediterranean dinner party with homemade naan and a fresh parsley dip is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your home. This recipe is not only easy to make but also sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and the joy of sharing good food with great friends.
