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fluffy vegan naan sitting on a plate.
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Vegan Naan

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Dough Rising1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 8 naan
Calories: 172kcal
Author: Nisha Vora

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup (160 mL) lukewarm water (water needs to be at 100-110ºF)*
  • 2 teaspoons organic cane sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or neutral-flavored oil of choice, plus more to oil your hands
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional but recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • Flaky or coarse sea salt for finishing

Instructions

  • Please read through the instructions and the Tips section in the blog post before starting!
  • In a medium bowl, combine the lukewarm water and sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the yeast and whisk for about 15 seconds until well incorporated. Rest for 15 minutes to activate the yeast - it will turn a bit foamy and frothy.
  • Meanwhile, sift the flour, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
  • Knead the dough. Add the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of oil to the flour. Stir to combine with a fork. When the dough is shaggy and you can no longer stir it with a fork, transfer it to a clean work surface and oil your hands well.
    Start kneading the dough with your hands, oiling your hands several times as you go. The dough will be very sticky and stick to the surface and your hands during the first few minutes, but as you continue kneading, it will stop sticking and become soft, elastic, and pliable. The kneading process should take 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Rest the dough. Oil a large bowl, add the dough ball to the bowl, and coat it with a bit of oil on all sides. Cover the dough with a clean dish towel. Rest in a warm, draft-free place for 90 minutes (up to 4 hours), until the dough rises and at least doubles.
    I place it in my oven with the oven light on. If it’s summer or you live in a warm climate, the counter works great.
  • Once the dough has risen, lightly punch the dough to release the air. Briefly knead the dough with your hands into a ball until smooth and tacky (it shouldn't stick to your hands).
  • Divide the dough. Using a pastry cutter, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Use your hands to roll the dough into 8 balls.*** Transfer the balls to a sheet of parchment paper and spread them apart to prevent sticking. Cover with a dish towel and rest for 10 minutes to “proof” the dough.
  • Preheat the pan. Open nearby windows, as it may get smoky. Heat a large cast-iron skillet (or an iron tawa pan**) for which you have a large enough lid over medium-high heat until it's nearly smoking, at least 5 minutes.
    NOTE: my gas stove heat dial goes up to level 7. I use level 5 but usually lower it to 4 after the first 3-4 naans.
    TIP: You can test if it’s hot enough by adding a drop of water - if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
  • Prep before cooking the naan. Pour the vegan butter into a small bowl and add the grated garlic. Microwave on high for 20 seconds, stir, then microwave for another 20 seconds. Set the butter next to stove with a pastry brush.
    Put a small bowl of water next to your work space.
  • Roll out the naan. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece of dough into a oval shape, about 8 inches long long and 5 inches wide at its widest point (20 cm x 13 cm). Roll the naan almost as thinly as you can.
    TIP: roll outward and off (instead of rolling back and forth on the same spot).
  • Add the cilantro and water the back side. Sprinkle each naan with a bit of chopped cilantro. Roll the rolling pin once over the dough to get the cilantro to stick.
    Dampen your hands using the water bowl and flip the naan onto its back side. Pat a small amount of water all over the back side of the dough (this will help the naan stick to the pan).
    NOTE: Cover the remaining dough balls while you roll each nan.
  • Cook the naan. Dampen your hands again and pick up the naan and carefully place it in the hot skillet, watered side facing down. Once you see bubbles all over and the edges start to dry out (45 to 60 seconds, depending on heat level), flip the naan. Now cover the skillet with the lid and cook for 30 to 40 seconds. When it’s done, parts of the dough should look almost raw and doughy, with some parts charred.
    NOTE: You may need to slightly lower the heat after the 3rd or 4th naan.
  • Transfer naan to a plate and brush with the melted garlic butter and sprinkle with just a pinch of flaky sea salt. Repeat the process with the remaining naan. Serve and eat while still warm!
    NOTE: depending on the quality of your pan, you may need to wipe out the skillet and give it a quick wash before making the next one (I do not need to do this with my well-used enameled cast iron skillet).

Video

Notes

*Or, 37.7º-43.3ºC. I recommend using a kitchen thermometer for this. If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. If not warm enough, it won't activate the yeast. I usually measure room temperature water in a mug and microwave for 20-25 seconds. 
** If you have an iron tawa pan (affiliate link), heat it over medium-high heat. When the first side is ready, turn the pan upside down and increase the heat to high. Move the pan over the flame and let the naan cook through until you see some brown and charred spots.
*** If you want slightly smaller naan, divide the dough into 10 rounds.