Imagine a warm, soft naan fresh off the skillet, with a hint of garlic and the richness of vegan butter. That’s what you get with this Garlic Butter Vegan Naan recipe! It’s simple, flavorful, and the ideal side to pair with your favorite curries, soups, or even as a base for wraps and pizzas. Trust me, once you make this naan at home, you’ll be hooked on the incredible flavor and easy process.
Why You’ll Love Making Garlic Butter Vegan Naan at Home
If you’ve ever ordered naan at a restaurant and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” you’re in the right place! Making naan from scratch may sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. And nothing beats the taste of homemade naan with a garlicky, buttery topping made entirely plant-based.
Here’s why this recipe will become your go-to for bread-making nights:
- Fun and Satisfying: It’s a hands-on recipe that brings the joy of cooking into your kitchen.
- Full of Flavor: The garlic butter topping infuses every bite with a burst of deliciousness.
- Vegan-Friendly: No dairy, no eggs—just simple ingredients that are entirely plant-based.
- Customizable: You can make it as thick or thin as you like and even add extra toppings like herbs or spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Garlic Butter Vegan Naan, you’ll find the ingredients surprisingly simple. Most items may already be in your pantry.
Naan Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp sugar (helps with rising)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder (for a slight lift)
- ¾ cup plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Butter Topping
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 3 tbsp vegan butter (melted)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Vegan Naan
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the dough rise consistently.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the plant-based yogurt and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
- Rest the Dough: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 2: Roll Out the Naan
- Divide the Dough: Once rested, divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
- Flatten and Shape: Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into an oval shape, about ¼ inch thick. Dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
3rd Step: Cook the Naan
- Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions.
- Preheat a Skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. It’s ready when you can feel the heat by holding your hand a few inches above the pan.
- Cook Each Naan: Place a piece of rolled-out dough onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the naan and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden spots appear.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the naan is cooking, you can quickly prepare the garlic butter topping:
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook in the residual heat for a few minutes. This step releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
- Melt the Vegan Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave, melt the vegan butter until smooth.
Step 5: Brush and Garnish
As soon as each naan is done, brush it generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Vegan Naan
- Reheat for Crispiness: If you have leftovers, warm them up in a skillet for a few minutes to restore their texture.
- Use High Heat: Cooking naan on high heat mimics a tandoor, giving it that authentic, slightly charred flavor.
- Get Creative with Toppings: For variety, try adding minced herbs, vegan cheese, or even chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Vegan Naan is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with dishes like:
- Hummus and Dips: Use naan as a dipper for spreads like hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki.
- Vegan Butter Chicken: Scoop up creamy vegan butter chicken with naan for a classic combo.
- Lentil or Chickpea Curry: The soft, pillowy texture of naan complements hearty, spiced curries.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storing: Place any leftover naan in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze naan for up to a month. Just layer parchment paper between each piece, and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. Brush with a bit of garlic butter to freshen up the flavor.
Fluffy Garlic Butter Vegan Naan
Description
Discover how to make the perfect Garlic Butter Vegan Naan at home! This plant-based naan is soft, flavorful, and ideal with any curry. Easy and delicious!
Ingredients
Naan Dough
Garlic Butter Topping
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the dough rise consistently.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the plant-based yogurt and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
- Rest the Dough: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
-
Step 2: Roll Out the Naan
- Divide the Dough: Once rested, divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
- Flatten and Shape: Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into an oval shape, about ¼ inch thick. Dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
-
Step 3: Cook the Naan
While the naan is cooking, you can quickly prepare the garlic butter topping:
- Melt the Vegan Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave, melt the vegan butter until smooth.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook in the residual heat for a few minutes. This step releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
-
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the naan is cooking, you can quickly prepare the garlic butter topping:
- Melt the Vegan Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave, melt the vegan butter until smooth.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook in the residual heat for a few minutes. This step releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
-
Step 5: Brush and Garnish
As soon as each naan is done, brush it generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Note
For extra flavor, let the garlic butter sit for a few minutes to allow the garlic to infuse. If you like your naan with a bit of crispiness, cook it slightly longer in the skillet to achieve golden, charred spots. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
