Welcome to our guide on how to make delicious vegan naan bread! Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this easy recipe will have you enjoying fresh, homemade naan bread in no time.
In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make vegan naan bread, along with some helpful tips and suggestions to ensure that your bread turns out perfectly every time. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions and address common issues that may arise when making this tasty bread.
But first, let’s take a look at why you might want to make vegan naan bread in the first place.
Why Make Vegan Naan Bread?
If you’re looking for a healthy, dairy-free and egg-free bread option that’s also delicious, vegan naan bread is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional naan bread, making your own vegan naan bread at home is simple and easy.
Vegan naan bread provides all the flavour and texture of traditional naan bread without the use of dairy or eggs. This makes it an ideal option for those who have dietary restrictions or ethical considerations. Additionally, vegan naan bread is lower in calories and fat than traditional naan bread, making it a healthier option for those who are health-conscious.
Making your own vegan naan bread at home also allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the recipe to your tastes. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding activity that you can enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients for Vegan Naan Bread
To make delicious vegan naan bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (250g) |
| Active dry yeast | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Warm water | 1/2 cup (120ml) |
| Coconut milk | 1/4 cup (60ml) |
| Melted coconut oil | 2 tablespoons |
These ingredients should be easy to find at your local supermarket. If you have trouble finding coconut milk or oil, you can use other non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk or olive oil. For the warm water, make sure it’s not too hot or it can kill the yeast. You’re now ready to start making delicious vegan naan bread!
Preparing the Dough
To make vegan naan bread, start by preparing the dough. You will need:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Instant yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Non-dairy milk (warmed) | 1/2 cup |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add the warmed non-dairy milk and oil, and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Leave the dough to rise for 1-2 hours in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and knead it briefly on a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8-12 equal portions, depending on the desired size of your naan bread.
Tips for Preparing the Dough
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more non-dairy milk. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
- To speed up the rising process, place the dough in a warm oven (set to the lowest temperature) with a bowl of hot water next to it.
- For an extra flavourful naan, add minced garlic or chopped herbs to the dough before kneading.
Rolling and Cooking the Naan
Once the dough has risen and is ready to use, it’s time to roll and cook your vegan naan bread. Here’s how:
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal parts.
- Flour your work surface and rolling pin. Take one portion of the dough and roll it out into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the rolled-out dough onto the pan, and cook for about 1 minute on one side or until bubbles appear on the surface.
- Flip the naan bread over and cook for another minute. The bread should puff up and turn slightly golden in colour.
- Remove the naan bread from the pan and brush with vegan butter or oil for added flavour.
- Repeat the process with the remaining portions of the dough.
If you prefer, you can also cook your naan bread on a grill or in the oven. Simply place the rolled-out dough onto a preheated grill or baking stone and cook until bubbly and golden brown.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you’re short on time or don’t have access to a stove, you can also cook your vegan naan bread in a microwave. Simply place the rolled-out dough onto a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 30-45 seconds or until cooked through. It won’t have the same crispy texture as stove-cooked naan, but it’s quick and easy in a pinch.
Remember, your naan bread should be soft and slightly chewy, with a crispy exterior. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the cooking process until you find the perfect texture and flavour for your tastes.
Serving and Storing Vegan Naan Bread
Once your vegan naan bread is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! There are many ways to serve this delicious bread, but one of the most popular ways is to pair it with a tasty dip or curry. You can try it with hummus, baba ghanoush, guacamole, or any other dip that you like.
If you’re serving it with a curry, you can use it to scoop up the curry or tear it into pieces and dip it in the sauce.
If you have leftover naan bread, it’s important to store it properly so that it stays fresh. You can wrap it in a clean cloth or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for a few days.
Freezing Vegan Naan Bread
If you want to freeze the bread, you can do so by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw it at room temperature and then warm it up in the oven or on a pan.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making vegan naan bread is easy, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Dough doesn’t rise
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be because the yeast is old or the water you used was too hot, which killed the yeast. To fix this, try using fresh yeast or making sure the water is around 110°F.
Naan turns out too dry
If your naan turns out too dry, it may be because you overcooked it or rolled it too thin. To fix this, try cooking the naan for a shorter time, rolling it a bit thicker, or brushing it with olive oil after cooking.
Naan turns out too dense
If your naan turns out too dense, it may be because you didn’t knead the dough enough or didn’t let it rise for long enough. To fix this, try kneading the dough for a few minutes longer or letting it rise for an extra 30 minutes.
Don’t worry if your first batch doesn’t turn out perfect. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of making vegan naan bread, but once you’ve got it down, it’s a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal.
FAQ About Vegan Naan Bread
Here are some common questions and answers about making vegan naan bread:
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in cling film or place it in an airtight container and freeze it. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
How long will the bread last in the fridge?
Homemade vegan naan bread will last for up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. However, it’s best to eat it fresh as it will become dry and less flavourful over time.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make vegan naan bread. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavour may be slightly different than if you use traditional wheat flour. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid you use, as gluten-free flour tends to absorb more liquid than wheat flour. Experiment until you find the perfect recipe for your taste and dietary needs.
What can I serve with vegan naan bread?
Vegan naan bread is delicious served with a variety of dips and curries. Try it with some hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist. Or, pair it with some chickpea curry, lentil dhal, or chana masala for an Indian flavor. You can also use it for sandwiches or wraps.
Can I make the naan without a tandoor?
Absolutely! While a traditional tandoor oven is used to cook naan bread, it is possible to make it at home using a stovetop pan or a grill. Simply heat up a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook the naan until it is golden brown and puffy.
