Traditional naan often contains dairy, typically in the form of yogurt or milk, which makes it unsuitable for those following a vegan or plant based diet. However, this vegan naan recipe uses plant-based yogurt, maintaining the softness and flavor without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a healthier alternative, this naan is perfect for you.
Summary of Ingredient Benefits
- Dry Active Yeast: Ensures proper leavening for a light, airy naan.
- Aluminum-Free Baking Powder: Adds an additional rise without a metallic aftertaste.
- Vegan Yogurt: Provides moisture and tenderness while keeping the recipe vegan.
- Warm Water (105-110°F): Activates the yeast effectively for optimal fermentation.
- Organic All-Purpose Flour: Offers a healthier, chemical-free base for the dough.
Understanding the Ingredients for Vegan Naan Bread
Creating the perfect vegan naan bread requires a careful selection of ingredients that contribute to its texture, flavor, and overall quality. Let’s delve into the specifics of each key ingredient and understand their roles in making this delicious bread.
1. Dry Active Yeast
Role: Dry active yeast is a crucial ingredient in bread-making, responsible for the leavening process. It ferments the sugars present in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas which causes the dough to rise and become airy and light.
Usage Tips:
- Activation: To activate dry active yeast, dissolve it in warm water (between 105-110°F) with a bit of sugar. This helps to “wake up” the yeast, ensuring it ferments effectively.
- Rest Time: Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Aluminum-Free Baking Powder
Role: Baking powder is a chemical leavening agent that works alongside yeast to help the dough rise. Aluminum-free baking powder is preferred by many for its cleaner taste and to avoid the slight metallic aftertaste that can come from aluminum-based powders.
Usage Tips:
- Combining: Mix baking powder thoroughly with the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- Rising Effect: This helps create the pillowy texture by providing an additional lift to the dough, especially during the cooking process.
3. Vegan Yogurt
Role: Vegan yogurt, such as coconut or almond yogurt, adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight tanginess to the naan. It mimics the role of traditional dairy yogurt, keeping the bread soft and flavorful.
Usage Tips:
- Consistency: Ensure the yogurt is smooth and not too watery for better incorporation into the dough.
- Alternatives: Choose unsweetened and plain varieties to avoid altering the flavor profile of the naan.
4. Warm Water (105-110°F)
Role: Warm water is essential for activating the yeast. The temperature range of 105-110°F is optimal for yeast fermentation, ensuring that the yeast activates without being killed by excessive heat.
Usage Tips:
- Temperature Check: Use a kitchen thermometer to accurately measure the water temperature. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold can prevent it from activating properly.
- Gradual Addition: Add water gradually to the dry ingredients to achieve the right dough consistency without making it too sticky.
5. Organic All-Purpose Flour
Role: Organic all-purpose flour is the main structure-building ingredient in naan bread. Using organic flour ensures that the wheat is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making it a healthier choice.
Usage Tips:
- Sifting: Sift the flour to aerate it and remove any lumps, ensuring a smoother dough.
- Measuring: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurement, as too much or too little flour can affect the dough’s texture.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Naan
- Use Warm Water: Warm water helps activate the baking soda and baking powder, making the naan rise and become fluffy.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Over-kneading can make the dough tough. Aim for a smooth, elastic texture.
- Cook on High Heat: A hot pan is crucial for getting the classic naan bubbles and a nicely browned exterior.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: With simple, inexpensive ingredients, this naan recipe is easy on the wallet.
- Impressively Delicious: The soft, pillowy texture and rich flavor will impress anyone who tries it.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, as garlic naan, or with your favorite toppings and fillings.
Making your own vegan naan bread at home is not only easy and fun, but it also ensures you have a fresh, delicious, and cruelty-free option that’s sure to please everyone. Give this recipe a try and elevate your homemade meals to the next level!
Easy Vegan Naan Bread with yogurt
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm water(105 F is best)
- 1 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 tsp organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp salt(optional)
- 2 cups All purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup plain dairy free yogurt(optional)
- 1 tsp granulated garlic or 2 cloves grated
Instructions
- In a medium bowl add the warm water(<110 F) sugar and dry active yeast. Set aside and allow the yeast to bloom about 5-10 minutes. If it doesn't get foamy and light, your yeast is old and start over with new yeast.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.
- When your yeast has bloomed add the vegan yogurt whisk to combine. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients combine well- The dough will be sticky.
- Flour your surface and knead bread 4-5 times, adding flour as need to make manageable. Add back to the bowl, cover with tea towel or plastic wrap and let dough rise for 2 hours. (you can slightly oil the bowl if you are not oil free)
- After the dough has risen, remove from bowl, cut into 6-8 equal pieces.
- Lightly knead each ball about 15 seconds until it forms a smooth ball. Once you have completed all pieces. cover again and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a cast iron frying pan to medium high. Lightly flour the surface of your work area. One by one roll out each piece of dough until it is flay and either round or oval.
- Add to the hot pan and cook on the first side. You will see bubbles form in the dough. Cooked for 3 minutes or until lightly brown and then flip. Cook for another 2-3 until it is golden brown. The second side usually takes less time.
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