Naan-tastic Adventures: Your Guide to Effortless Vegan Flatbreads

Naan-tastic Adventures: Your Guide to Effortless Vegan Flatbreads

13 June 2025

Naan-tastic Adventures: Your Guide to Effortless Vegan Flatbreads

Hey there, fellow food adventurers! This week, we're diving headfirst into the wonderfully warm world of homemade vegan naan. Forget those store-bought imposters – we're making fluffy, flavorful flatbreads that are perfect for scooping up all your favorite curries and stews. This recipe is so easy, even a kitchen newbie can achieve naan perfection!

The Secret to Amazing Vegan Naan

So, what makes this naan so good? It's all about a few simple, wholesome ingredients and a touch of kitchen magic. No need for fancy equipment or complicated steps – just a little patience and a love for delicious food.

Flour Power: All-purpose flour is the hero of this dish. It gives the naan that soft, pliable texture we all crave. (Feel free to use a mix of whole wheat for added fiber!).

Sweetness: A tiny bit of sugar gives the yeast a boost and enhances the flavor. Don't worry, it won't make your naan sweet - it's more about the perfect texture.

Yeast: This is what creates the magic that makes the dough rise and become fluffy! Instant yeast is the easiest option - just chuck it in and away you go!

Salt: A pinch of salt is essential, don't forget! It’s more than just flavor, it also controls the yeast and strengthens the gluten.

Oils: A bit of oil helps make our dough smooth, flexible, and soft. Olive oil or a light vegetable oil work perfectly.

Vegan Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt adds extra moisture, keeping your naan soft and delicious. Any vegan yogurt will work well and the flavor will not come through.

Let's Get Cooking!

First - The Dough

  1. Combine: Mix all the dry ingredients. Then, create a well and add the wet ingredients. It's time to get your hands in and mix it all up - be sure to really get into the mix.
  2. Knead: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until you have a smooth, slightly sticky ball. Don't add too much flour - sticky is what we are after!
  3. Proof: Place the dough in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. This should take about 1-2 hours.

Next - Shaping & Cooking

  1. Divide: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 5-6 equal pieces, roll into balls.
  2. Roll: Roll each ball out into a naan shape - don't be too fussy, all shapes are good!
  3. Cook: Get a skillet (cast iron if you have it) nice and hot, and cook the naan for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffy.
  4. Top: Whilst the naan is still hot, you can brush with some melted garlic butter (vegan of course!), add salt flakes, and maybe some chopped cilantro/coriander and chilli flakes for an extra kick!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your naan fresh and warm with your favorite curries. Here are some of our recommendations:

  • Saag Tofu: A tasty twist on classic saag paneer.
  • Easy Vegan Korma: Rich, creamy, and simply delicious.
  • Vegan Turmeric Curry: A bright, healthy choice.
  • Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Curry: Hearty and full of flavor.

Recipe Card

Yields: 5-6 Naan Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (3g) instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp (7g) sugar
  • 3/4 tsp (4g) salt
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) mild olive oil (or any neutral oil)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) plain vegan yogurt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) lukewarm water

Optional Toppings

  • 2 tbsp (30ml) vegan butter or olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt flakes
  • Fresh cilantro/coriander, chopped
  • Chili flakes

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add oil, vegan yogurt, and lukewarm water. Mix with a spoon, then your hands until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled.
  5. Punch down, divide into 5-6 portions, and roll each into a naan shape.
  6. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and cook naan for 1-2 minutes per side or until golden and puffed.
  7. Brush warm naan with garlic butter, sprinkle with salt and herbs, if desired.

Notes

  • Always make sure you are using the correct yeast and activate properly if using dry or fresh yeast
  • Don't use too much flour when kneading, this recipe is high hydration for softer results
  • If you have no skillet, any heavy bottomed pan will do

Enjoy!

There you have it – a super easy vegan naan recipe that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and remember to tag us in your naan creations!