| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 6g | 1g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 4g | 8g | 0.58g |
About Gluten-Free Naan
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm and soft piece of flatbread, a little charred from the oven, with a subtle hint of yogurt. Picture that very piece of bread being amazingly gluten-free. Yes, you heard right – we’re revisiting the traditional Indian flatbread and turning it up a notch with our Gluten-Free Naan. Baked to a perfect golden brown, this fluffy delight will have you reaching out for more, without the usual worry of gluten sensitivities.
The Magic Behind Gluten-Free Naan
The secret behind our Gluten-Free Naan lies in the ingenious combination of gluten-free flour blend, active dry yeast, and xanthan gum. Traditional naan is loved for its unique texture – slightly doughy and chewy, something often hard to achieve with gluten-free flours. But worry not, we’ve found that xanthan gum replicates that desired texture to a T, giving the naan that soft yet slightly chewy consistency, ultimately delivering the authentically delightful naan bread experience you know and love.
The careful balance of baking soda and baking powder sets off a chemical reaction with the yogurt, creating air pockets within the dough for that prized soft, fluffy texture. The process of making the Gluten-Free Naan is a labor of love but it’s entirely worth it.
Pairing Your Gluten-Free Naan
If you’re wondering what you can pair with this ambrosial bread, look no further. Traditionally eaten with Chicken Tikka Masala or a heartening lamb and lentil stew, this gluten-free variant will complement just as well, if not better.
Alternatively, consider Americanizing your naan by replacing the regular bread in your favorite sandwich with this Gluten-Free Naan – think grilled chicken draped in gooey melted cheese, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a generous slather of Caesar dressing, all wrapped in this tantalizing gluten-free naan. The versatility of this bread truly sets it apart.
Our Gluten-Free Naan is also remarkable in its own right – simply brushed with some melted butter or extra virgin olive oil. A light spread of Avocado Hummus or sprinkling of freshly chopped Chimichurri further enhance its charm making it a worthy addition to any meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
All said and done, whether you yearn for a gluten-free alternative to your favorite Indian flatbread, or are simply a bread aficionado looking for a new flavor profile, this Gluten-Free Naan deserves a place on your table and in your culinary repertoire.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t already contain it)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt (dairy-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Extra oil or melted butter for brushing
Method
Step One
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t already contain it), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix them together until they are well combined.
Step Three
Create a well in the middle of your dry mixture. Into the well, pour the yeast mixture, yogurt, egg, and vegetable oil. Mix together until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a little bit more water.
Step Four
Once the dough is well mixed, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it has roughly doubled in size.
Step Five
When your dough has finished rising, preheat your griddle or skillet over medium heat and divide the dough into small balls (about the size of golf balls). Flatten each ball with your hand or a rolling pin into a round naan shape.
Step Six
Brush each side of the naan with some extra oil or melted butter and cook on the preheated griddle or skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and bubbly.
Step Seven
Once cooked, brush with a bit more melted butter or oil and serve while hot. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free naan!
