Gluten-Free Naan Bread

If you enjoy the authentic tandoor oven naans served at your favorite Indian restaurant, then you will absolutely love our gluten-free naan bread!

This puffy and fluffy naan bread is vegan, gluten-free, and full of taste, especially when brushed with our garlicky, buttery coating.

It’s perfect as an appetizer, or used as a scoop to eat your favorite curry. Or just rip it apart and enjoy with a blob of our sweet mango chutney!

This recipe produces 12 pieces of soft and bubbly naan bread and can easily be cooked in a frying pan – which is good news, because most of us don’t own a traditional tandoor oven!

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What is Naan Bread?

Naan – which was the Persian word for bread – is a traditional chewy leavened Indian flatbread that is made in the tandoor oven (a cylindrical clay oven) and used to accompany curry dishes.

The origins of naan bread can be traced back around 2,500 years, and it is thought to have been created after yeast first arrived in India.

It’s clearly stood the test of time for a reason! Today, naan is served primarily in the north of India, but it can be enjoyed at dinner tables around the world, from the USA to the UK.

In the West, it is also sometimes used as a tasty alternative base for pizzas, tacos, wraps, and sandwiches.

Is Naan Bread Vegan?

No, naan bread is typically not vegan as it is often made with dairy milk, butter, and/or yogurt.

Luckily our gluten-free naan bread is entirely vegan. We use only plant-based ingredients including almond milk and coconut yogurt to produce this delicious flatbread.

Is this Naan Bread Gluten-Free?

Yes! While many naans are not gluten-free, this recipe is. Use your favorite gluten-free flour to produce this bread.

Is Gluten-Free Naan Bread Easy to Make?

It’s not too complicated, although as it’s a yeast dough recipe, it requires a bit of preparation and foresight. You will also need some confidence during the frying stage.

What is Gluten-Free Naan Bread Made Of?

Our gluten-free naan bread is made with just a couple of easy-to-access ingredients, most of which you may already have in your kitchen!

You will need:

• Warm water      
• Almond milk      
• Cane sugar  
• Instant dry yeast            
• Coconut yogurt
• Olive oil               
• Gluten-free flour
• Salt

For coating:

• Garlic cloves
• Cilantro               
• Vegan butter

How to Make Gluten-Free Naan Bread

Warm the water, almond milk, and cane sugar, then dissolve the yeast and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the coconut yogurt and olive oil.

In a separate bowl, add the gluten-free flour and salt, and mix. Then, add in the almond milk mixture, and begin to incorporate using a spatula. Next, add in the oil/yogurt mixture little by little. Mix until the ingredients are all perfectly incorporated.                   

Cover the mixing bowl to allow the dough to ferment, which will take around 40 minutes.

Once the dough has risen, heat a sauté pan over a medium heat, add a little oil, then use an ice cream scoop to scoop portions of the dough onto the pan. Flatten each one gently.

When small bubbles begin to appear, flip the bread over to heat the other side. It took around 1 minute on each side for us, although it may be different for you.

Mince the garlic cloves, and mix with the cilantro and melted vegan butter, then brush your bread with this delicious mixture before serving hot!

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Naan Bread

Be sure to use warm water (around 100°F to 110°F) to activate the yeast, not hot or cold. Hot water will kill the yeast, while cold water won’t activate it.

Don’t be tempted to leave out the maple syrup, as the yeast needs some sugar to feed off or it won’t ferment.

When cooking your naans, avoid browning your bread too much, otherwise the end product will be too dry. Adjust the heat as needed – after cooking a few naans, you may need to turn the heat down a little.

While we have added storage instructions below, this naan bread is always best when served hot, straight from the pan!

FAQ

How to Store Gluten-Free Naan Bread

Leftovers? No problem! You can store your unused naan bread in the refrigerator, and it will last for up to 2 days. Keep it in an airtight container for better storage.

Can You Freeze Gluten-Free Naan Bread?

Yes – like most breads, naan bread freezes quite well.

Simply allow it to cool, then place it in a freezer-proof bag and store for up to one month. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before heating in a conventional oven or microwave.

Can You Make Gluten-Free Naan Bread Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Simply make the bread as normal and allow it to cool until you are ready to use it. If storing overnight, put it in the refrigerator.

To reheat the naan bread, simply use a conventional oven or microwave (around 30 to 90 seconds in the microwave will do).

How Long Does Gluten-Free Naan Bread Last?

If you store it in the fridge, this naan bread will last for up to 2 days. In the freezer, this naan will be good for up to a month!

If you’re looking for more Indian recipes, check out:

Vegan Indian Curry

Vegan Jeera Rice

Super Simple Mango Chutney

Crispy Vegan Onion Bhajis

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram!