Description
Enjoy soft, fluffy, and airy naan bread with a slightly charred finish, perfect to accompany curries, salads, or as a snack. This easy, plant-based naan recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and natural flavors to bring homemade freshness to your kitchen with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based yogurt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Optional Flavorings
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (natural flavoring)
- Fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro, parsley)
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Plant-based cheese (for cheesy naan)
- Maple syrup (natural) and cinnamon for sweet variation
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, and the natural gelling agent. Stir in the plant-based yogurt, olive oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Leave it in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Shape the Naan: Divide the risen dough into equal portions. Roll each piece on a lightly floured surface into an oval or tear-drop shape about 1/4 inch thick for best texture.
- Cook the Naan: Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place a dough piece onto the dry pan, cook until bubbles and golden spots form, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side similarly. Optionally brush with olive oil or plant-based butter for extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use warm water that feels comfortably warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Do not skip the rising time for soft and fluffy naan.
- Maintain a medium-high pan temperature to develop the characteristic golden spots without burning.
- Roll the dough lightly to keep air bubbles inside for fluffy bread.
- Brush naan immediately after cooking with olive oil or plant-based butter for a glossy finish and added moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 naan
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: naan bread, plant-based naan, soft naan, easy naan recipe, homemade naan, vegan bread, Indian bread, flatbread
