Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

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Easy Vegan Naan – if you’re into super fluffy flatbreads, then this is THE recipe for you! The dough is just a simple yeast dough, which you can keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (1)

I’m always on a mission for the fluffiest vegan naan bread. And I kind of feel like, it can’t get any fluffier than this.

I’ve gotten so many compliments for my naan, it always ends up being the star of the meal (sorry, curry!).

It’s really easy to make. Mix the ingredients for the dough (I am using my kitchen machine but you can also use your hands). Coat the dough ball in oil, and let it rise for at least 2 hours. Then you can break off a small chunk, roll it out and cook it in the pan for a super fresh flatbread.

You can also store the risen dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you’ll always have the option for spontaneous, bubbly naan.

Bonus points for sprinkling salt and fresh parsley (or cilantro) on top.

If you don’t have the time for the dough to rise and you need a naan asap, check out my yeast-free Garlic Naan recipe.

Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (2)

You can use the flatbreads also for fluffy wraps or a pizza base! I may or may not have added mashed avocado onto the flatbread for a quick breakfast.

How to make an Easy Vegan Naan

The ingredients

You will need:

  • all-purpose wheat flour
  • instant yeast
  • salt
  • olive oil
  • water

This is a super basic version for vegan naan. You can always work garlic slices, sesame seeds, chili flakes (or whatever you feel like) into the dough before adding it to the pan!

The basic steps

Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (3)
Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (4)
Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (5)
Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (6)
Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (7)
Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (8)
Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (9)
Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (10)
Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (11)

Serve the Naan with

  • Falafel Curry
  • Palak Tofu
  • Dal Makhani
  • Sweet Potato Curry
  • or any of these15 Amazing Vegan Curry Recipes

Love it? Rate it!

I hope you enjoy this Easy Vegan Naan as much as I do!

And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you like it, this helps other users figure out if it is worth a try!

If you don’t wantto miss out on any new recipes,subscribe to my newsletter, follow me onInstagramandFacebook!

Cheers, Bianca

Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (12)

Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (13)

Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread)

Bianca / Elephantastic Vegan

Easy Vegan Naan – if you’re into super fluffy flatbreads, then this is THE recipe for you! The dough is just a simple yeast dough, which you can keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Resting Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Basics

Cuisine Indian, Vegan

Servings 4 naans

Calories 303 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + more to dust the dough and surfaces
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil + more to coat the dough and for the pan
  • 2/3 cup water

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Then add the olive oil and water. Stir to combine, then knead with your hands (or use a kitchen machine with a dough hook) until it's a smooth dough.If the dough is too sticky, add more flour; if it's too crumbly, add more water.

  • Coat the ball ofdough in a drizzle of olive oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place until the dough doubles in size (for about 2 hours).

  • Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces (about 100g each). Roll out each piece on lightly floured parchment paper.

  • Heat a flat pan (a crepe-pan works best) until really, really hot! Lay the first flatbread into the hot pan with a bit of oil until it's you can see bubbles on the bread. Then, for the second side, add a bit more oil to the pan, let the other side of the bread cook for 1-2 minutes. Repeat for the other naans.

  • Sprinkle the naans with salt, fresh parsley and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 9gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 199mgPotassium: 112mgFiber: 3gSugar: 0.2gVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 4mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @elephantasticvegan or tag #elephantasticvegan!

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Easy Vegan Naan (Indian Flatbread) Recipe - Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between flatbread and naan? ›

Naan is another flatbread traditionally served in Indian restaurants but the difference is that there will already be a filling inside these flatbread pockets. Naan may be stuffed with curd, fresh desiccated coconut, butter, nigella seeds, and raisins.

What makes naan not vegan? ›

Unfortunately, the majority of naan isn't suitable for vegans as they often contain ghee (clarified butter), yoghurt, milk or even eggs. However, it's not impossible to find vegan-friendly naan in supermarkets, it's just worth double-checking ingredients lists.

What is the difference between Afghan naan and Indian naan? ›

Afghan naan is different in shape, texture, and taste from Indian varieties. While the main ingredient – wheat flour – is the same, Afghan bakers hand-shape the dough, rather than rolling it out, and their use of a tandoor results in large, pillowy rounds.

Do Indian restaurants use yeast in naan? ›

While there is not just one authentic Naan recipe, this is based on traditional Indian recipes. Is there yeast in Naan? Yeast is not traditionally used to make Naan as it is a flatbread. However, Westernized versions of Naan sometimes include yeast, creating a more bready texture.

Is naan healthier than bread? ›

While it may contain more carbs and sugars, it earns its reputation as a healthy alternative with its relatively generous amounts of protein and fiber. Despite its high carb content, naan can be considered a more nutrient-dense alternative to white bread and pita.

Which is healthier roti or naan? ›

Roti is generally considered healthier than naan. Roti is lower in calories and contains zero saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. In contrast, naan tends to be higher in calories and may contain added fats. For a healthier choice, roti is often preferred, especially by those conscious of their dietary intake.

Can vegans eat hummus? ›

Hummus is a vegan staple that allows you to have some versatility in your diet. It's an immensely popular food amongst vegans so you may have found a new favourite yourself. It's available in a wide range of flavours and is very versatile in the kitchen so you can experiment with it if you wish to.

Is Dave's Killer bread vegan? ›

A: All DKB bread products are considered vegan and do not contain any animal products, however, our limited edition DKB Snack Bars (Trail Mix Crumble and Oat-Rageous Honey Almond™) are NOT considered vegan as they contain organic honey.

What Indian flatbread is similar to naan? ›

Kulcha. This next bread is often confused with naan due to its similar appearance. While naan is usually made with yeast and yogurt or milk, kulcha is usually made with baking powder and baking soda. One of the most popular forms of kulcha is Amritsari Kulcha, originating from the Punjabi city of Amritsar.

What is the best type of naan? ›

Some of the most popular flavoured variations are plain naan, Peshwari naan, garlic and coriander naan and cheese naan. A good plain naan dough needs strong bread flour, yeast, black onion seeds, milk, and yoghurt – to give the naan that tanginess.

What does yogurt do in naan? ›

Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt holds the naan dough together and ensures a tender texture. Make sure you get authentic Greek yogurt and not Greek-style yogurt.

Can I use milk instead of yogurt in naan bread? ›

2% milk works well, but I do not recommend using fat-free or skim milk. Full-fat Greek yogurt. The full-fat dairy in this naan recipe gives it a soft texture and rich taste. You can use a 2% or fat-free Greek yogurt, your bread may just not be as pillowy soft.

What do you eat Indian naan with? ›

Here is a list of tempting combinations to help you serve Naan for your next dinner party!
  1. Classic curries and soups. ...
  2. Mediterranean Wraps. ...
  3. Sensational Sandwiches.
  4. Mexican delights.
  5. Artisanal Pizza. ...
  6. Bite-sized Bliss. ...
  7. Elevated appetizers. ...
  8. Breakfast Brilliance.

Is naan bread just pita bread? ›

Naan bread is soft, fluffy, and chewy, whereas pita bread is denser with a slightly crispy texture on the outside. Naan bread also has a buttery flavor due to the ghee and buttermilk in the dough, which adds an extra dimension of flavor compared to pita bread's more neutral taste.

What is a flatbread similar to naan? ›

Tandoori roti is closer to naan thanks to its similar cooking method. Though tandoori roti starts off like regular roti, it is usually more flaky and crispier because it is cooked in a tandoor oven on high heat. Just like naan, tandoori roti has a grilled flavor.

What makes a flatbread a flatbread? ›

A flatbread is bread made usually with flour; water, milk, yogurt, or other liquid; and salt, and then thoroughly rolled into flattened dough. Many flatbreads are unleavened, although some are leavened, such as pita bread.

What is special about naan bread? ›

Naan is a single-layer bread with a light and slightly fluffy texture and golden-brown spots from the baking process. It is made primarily from white flour or wheat flour and a leavening agent (usually yeast), which results in the formation of air pockets in the dough that impart fluffiness and softness.

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