Side Dish
Anita Patel
April 23, 2024
4 Mins read
What's Naan Bread?
Naan is a leavened, oven-baked (usually using a tandoor) or tawa-fried flatbread. It is characterized by its light and slightly fluffy texture and golden-brown spots from the baking process.
Wikipedia.org
I love cooking, and naan bread has always been one of my favorites. It's soft and chewy and goes great with lots of spicy dishes. But I realized I wanted to make a version that everyone could enjoy, including friends who avoid gluten for various health reasons.
I didn't want anyone to miss out on the joy of a good naan, so I decided to figure out how to make naan bread that was gluten-free. This meant replacing the usual wheat flour with other kinds of flour that don't contain gluten, like rice flour and tapioca flour.
I tried lots of combinations, and at first, it was really tricky. Sometimes the bread wouldn't puff up like it's supposed to, or it would fall apart and be too crumbly. But I kept trying because I wanted to create a naan that everyone could enjoy, no matter their dietary needs.
Finally, after lots of tries, I found the perfect mix!
When I cooked this on a hot skillet, it actually puffed up and got those awesome bubbles on the surface! It smelled amazing and tasted so good—soft, chewy, and just a bit crispy on the edges. I was super happy!
Chef's Notes – Gluten-Free Naan Bread
Essential Tips
- Psyllium Husk:Crucial for binding and elasticity, giving the dough a soft, chewy texture.
- Temperature:Preheat skillet well to ensure naan puffs and forms bubbles.
- Dough Consistency:Smooth and elastic. Adjust with millet flour if sticky, warm water if dry.
- Resting Period:Let dough rest after kneading for easier handling and better hydration.
Preparation
- Rolling:Roll on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cooking:Cook each flatbread 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear.
Finishing Touches
- Brushing:Use melted ghee or butter for flavor and moisture. Plant-based butter for vegan option.
- Garnishing:Fresh cilantro, or experiment with parsley, mint, etc.
Serving and Storage
- Serving Suggestions:Warm with Indian dishes like curry, dal, tandoori; also good for wraps and sandwiches.
- Freezing:Fully cook, cool, and freeze with parchment paper between flatbreads in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating:Use preheated oven or skillet to maintain texture; avoid microwaving.
Enhancements
- Flavor Additions:Minced garlic, onion seeds, cumin seeds in dough; sesame or nigella seeds on top.
- Nutritional Boost:Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
Pairing Ideas
- Dips and Spreads:Hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki.
- Complementary Dishes:Grilled vegetables and meats.
Fluffy Gluten-Free Naan bread
5.0 from 8 votes
Discover the joy of homemade Fluffy Gluten-Free Naan bread, perfect for any meal! This recipe delivers soft, pillowy flatbreads with a delightful chew, ready in just 45 minutes. Ideal for those on a gluten-free diet, these flatbreads puff up beautifully and are incredibly easy to make, even without yeast. Impress your guests or treat yourself to a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional naan.
Course: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy
Servings
4
flatbreads
Prep time
25
minutes
Cooking time
20
minutes
Calories
250
kcal
Total time
45
minutes
Cook Mode
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
4 tablespoons psyllium husk
1 3/4 cups millet flour (substitute with finely ground brown rice flour for a different texture)
1 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons tapioca starch (substitute with cornstarch or potato starch)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/3 cup unsweetened plain yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or substitute with sunflower oil)
- For Cooking and Garnishing
3 tablespoons melted ghee (or butter; use plant-based for vegan option)
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped for garnish
- Alternative Ingredients:
Millet Flour -> Brown Rice Flour: Less fluffy texture.
Tapioca Starch -> Cornstarch or Potato Starch: Similar texture and binding properties.
Olive Oil -> Sunflower Oil: Neutral flavor alternative.
Ghee -> Plant-based Butter: For a vegan option.
Plain Yogurt -> Dairy-Free Yogurt: For lactose intolerance or vegan diet.
Directions
- Mixing Dry Ingredients – Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Preparing Psyllium Gel – In another bowl, mix psyllium husk with warm water and let it sit until gel-like.
- Combining Ingredients – Add yogurt and olive oil to the psyllium gel, mix thoroughly, then incorporate into the dry ingredients. Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Shaping Flatbreads – Divide the dough into four parts, roll each into a ball and flatten on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Cooking – Preheat a cast iron skillet and cook each flatbread for about 1-2 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
- Finishing Touch – Brush each flatbread with melted ghee mixed with cilantro before serving.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer
- mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- cast iron skillet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 100IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
FAQ – Gluten-Free Naan Bread
Is naan gluten-free?
Traditional naan is not gluten-free as it is made with wheat flour. However, gluten-free versions can be made using alternative flours such as rice flour and tapioca flour.
Can I make this naan bread vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and using plant-based butter or oil instead of ghee.
What can I use instead of millet flour?
If you don't have millet flour, you can substitute it with finely ground brown rice flour. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less fluffy.
Can I use a different starch instead of tapioca starch?
Yes, you can substitute tapioca starch with cornstarch or potato starch. Both alternatives will provide similar texture and binding properties.
How do I store leftover naan bread?
Store any leftover naan bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the naan for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cooking.
What can I use if I don't have psyllium husk?
Psyllium husk is essential for binding and providing elasticity in gluten-free dough. If you don't have it, you can try using ground flaxseed or chia seeds, but the texture might not be as ideal.
How do I ensure the naan puffs up properly?
Ensure your skillet is preheated to a high temperature before cooking the naan. This helps create the steam needed for the naan to puff up and form bubbles.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower oil or any neutral-flavored oil as a substitute for olive oil.
How do I prevent the naan from sticking to the skillet?
Make sure your skillet is well-heated and lightly greased before cooking the naan. If the naan sticks, you can use a non-stick skillet or add a bit more oil.
Can I add other flavors to the naan?
Absolutely! You can add minced garlic, herbs, or spices to the dough for extra flavor. Freshly chopped cilantro or garlic can also be added as a garnish after cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for people with celiac disease?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free and suitable for individuals with celiac disease. However, ensure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I reheat the naan without losing its texture?
Reheat the naan in a preheated skillet or oven for a few minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the naan chewy and less fluffy.
What goes well with Gluten-Free Naan Bread?
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