Naan Recipe without Yogurt

Step 1

Bloom the yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in lukewarm water. At the yeast and whisk until it dissolves as well. Set it aside for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. If that doesn't happen, your yeast is expired and you need new one.

Step 2

In the meant time, in a large mixing bowl, measure the flour and stir in the salt. When the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl with the dry ingredients, alongside the olive oil, almond milk, and lemon juice if using. (If you don't want to mix the dough by hand, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook).

Step 3

Using a fork, mix until the dough becomes so sticky that you can't continue with the fork anymore. Then grease your hands and mix until the dough forms into a bowl.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a clean surface and grease your hands again. Start kneading it for 5-6 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and soft. At first, it may stick to the counter and your hands, but don't worry, just keep greasing your hands and kneading. Just don't add more flour!

Step 5

Rise the dough. After a few minutes, the dough should be no longer sticky. Grease a large bowl with some oil and transfer the dough (I use the same bowl from before and wash it). Cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Set it aside in a warm place for at least 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. If it's a particularly cold day, put the bowl in the oven and turn on the light.

Step 6

After rising, lightly punch down the dough to release air. Then grease your hands, and knead it for 1-2 minutes, or until it forms a smooth ball again. Using a knife or a bench scraper, divide the dough into 8 balls (make sure to not tear the dough, but to cut it).

Step 7

Proof the dough. Transfer the dough balls to a plate or a piece of parchment paper, and rest for 20 to 30 minutes to rise a second time.

Step 8

When ready, sprinkle a little bit of flour onto a clean surface. Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into an oval shape about 8″ long and 5″ wide (20 cm x 13 cm). Roll from the center to the edges, instead of rolling back and forth at the same spot. Dampen your finger in water and pat some all over one side of the dough. This will help it stick to the pan.

Step 9

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, for about 5 minutes. To test if the pan is hot enough, add a few drops of water. If they disappear right away, your pan is ready. Using damp fingers, carefully transfer the dough to hot the skillet, watered side down. Cook for 40-60 seconds, or until bubbles appear all over the naan.

Step 10

Flip the naan and cover the skillet with a lid to steam it. Cook for 30 more seconds, then transfer to a plate. Repeat the same process with the rest of the dough, making sure to lower the heat if the bread starts charring too quickly. Serve warm!