Vegan Whole Wheat Naan Bread

I have friends that love Indian food and could eat it every day if they only knew how to prepare them in their kitchen.

That's what inspires me to always look for new recipes to try, and this vegan whole wheat naan bread is a new favorite.

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This flat bread is so soft and delicious without using even a tiny bit of all-purpose flour or white flour.

What a perfect companion for a spicy curry! I am sharing a recipe for a tawa naan that is much easier to prepare than traditional naan bread.

Tawa naan turns out just like the version you find in restaurants without having to buy the tandoor oven!

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Why I love this recipe
Ingredients note
Instructions
Recipe FAQ's
Storage
Variations
Expert tips
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📖 Recipe
Comments

Why I love this recipe

It is vegan and uses whole grain flour. So it is healthier than traditional naan or pita bread.

You do not need a special oven to make it, just a tawa (or frying pan).

Whole wheat naan is soft and delicious and tastes just as good as Indian restaurant naan bread.

You get the same pillowy naan consistency that you come to expect from Indian flatbreads.

I didn't have to use active dry yeast or the instant yeast that can sometimes alter the taste.

Homemade naan is so much better than the store-bought versions in terms of taste, health, and cost.

If you are looking for a delicious and easy vegan naan bread recipe, look no further! This whole wheat naan is perfect for any occasion.

Serve it with your favorite Indian curries like vegan butter chicken, and tofu butter masala, or use it to make a delicious veggie wrap. Enjoy!

Ingredients note

Whole wheat naan ingredients are on the table.

Whole wheat flour: I use 'atta' flour, which is a type of whole wheat flour common in Indian cooking. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online. If you cannot find atta flour, you can use regular whole wheat flour.

Vegan yogurt or curd: I like to use coconut milk yogurt, but any type of vegan yogurt or curd will work. Curd from Oats or cashew milk is a great option too.

Baking soda and baking powder: These are used to help the naan bread rise. Use them in moderation and look for a fresh pack for the best results.

Oil: I use avocado oil for its thick nature, but any type of oil will work.

See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

To prepare the garnish, mix the following ingredients and place them aside: Vegan butter, and finely chopped cilantro.

A bowl is with flour, salt and vegan curd to make naan recipe.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: dry flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

Add the vegan yogurt or curd, oil, and water to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.

If you are using a food processor, use the dough hook attachment for best results. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it is too sticky, add more flour. If it is too dry, add more vegan yogurt or curd.

Cover the naan dough and let the dough rise (1 hour).

Divide the soft dough into 9 balls.

A flour is covered with rolled naan dough.

Roll each one of the dough ball on a floured surface using a rolling pin into an oval shape that's less than ¼ inch thick.

Heat the tawa or iron pan on medium heat. To check if the tawa is ready sprinkle a few drops of water on the tawa. Water should sizzle immediately when the pan is ready.

Spread two drops of water on the rolled naan dough and put water side naan over the hot pan (tawa).

A tawa is flipped on flame side to cook naan.

Once the naan starts bubbling and the dough starts drying, flip the tawa over the flame keeping about 2 inches away from the flames to cook the naan from the top.

A wheat naan is on the hot tawa and topped with vegan butter.

Once whole wheat naan is golden brown, remove it and spread the vegan melted butter garnish mix over the top.

Place it on a plate and cover with a cloth to keep warm until serving. Vegan whole wheat Naan is ready!

Recipe FAQ's

How to serve whole wheat naan?

Naan is typically served with Indian curries or as a side dish. It can also be used to make wraps or sandwiches.

What is tawa?

Tawa is a flat griddle or frying pan that is common in Indian cooking. It is used to cook naan bread.

Can I make wheat naan without yeast?

Yes, this recipe is made without yeast. Baking soda and baking powder are used instead to help the naan bread rise.

Storage

The naan bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in a dry skillet over low heat before serving.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour.

You can also add garlic, onion, or other herbs to the dough for extra flavor. Simply mix them in with the dry ingredients before mixing in yogurt.

If you want a sweeter naan bread, you can brush it with melted vegan butter and sprinkle it with sugar before serving.

Expert tips

If you do not have a tawa, you can use a cast-iron skillet or any other type of heavy-bottomed pan.
Do not let the naan bread cook for too long on the tawa, or it will become dry and hard.
The Vegan butter mix is optional, but I think it really keeps the naan bread softer for a longer time and even makes the naan taste better.
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make more naan bread.
If your dough appears to be too soft and tears off easily, add a bit of olive oil or water to the dough.
Cook on medium-high heat for best results.
Use generous amounts of the vegan butter garnish to mimic the classic naan.