Making naan bread is a fun and easy way to impress your friends and family.
While yogurt is the traditional ingredient in naan bread, there are many substitutes that can be used to create a similar taste and texture.
In this blog post, we will explore 10 different substitutes for yogurt that can be used to make naan bread.
So, if you are looking for a new and exciting way to make naan bread, read on.
Read more: What To Do With Leftover Beans And Rice?
Substitutes for yogurt to make naan bread
Buttermilk
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any yogurt on hand, buttermilk makes a great substitute.
Just keep in mind that the dough will be a bit more wet and sticky.
To make the dough, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until everything is well combined.
Let the dough rest for 10 minutes before shaping it into balls.
Place the balls on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to flatten them into 1/2-inch-thick rounds.
Cook the naan bread on a preheated grill or griddle for 2-3 minutes per side, and enjoy.
Greek yogurt
Another substitute that my mother always substituted Greek yogurt because it is thicker and results in a softer, more velvety texture.
Recently, I decided to experiment with the recipe and see if I could create a vegan version using plant-based yogurt.
To my surprise, the naan bread turned out just as fluffy and delicious as the original.
If you’re looking to make a dairy-free version of this classic Indian bread, simply substitute Greek yogurt for regular yogurt.
You won’t be disappointed.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk also makes a great substitution.
The key is to use full-fat coconut milk, which will give the dough the same richness as yogurt.
You can find full-fat coconut milk in the international aisle of most supermarkets.
When substituting coconut milk for yogurt, you’ll need to use a little less than an equal amount.
For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of yogurt, use 3/4 cup of coconut milk.
In addition, you may need to add a bit more flour to the dough to compensate for the lower moisture content of the coconut milk.
But overall, using coconut milk in place of yogurt is a simple and delicious way to make naan bread.
Cashew cream
Making naan bread at home is easier than you might think – and it’s even vegan-friendly if you use cashew cream in place of yogurt.
To make the cashew cream, simply blend together equal parts raw cashews and water until the mixture is smooth.
Then, add it to your dough in place of the yogurt called for in the recipe.
The cashew cream will help to provide structure and moistness, resulting in delicious, fluffy naan bread that everyone will enjoy.
So next time you’re in the mood for naan, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have yogurt on hand, reach for some cashews instead.
You will be surprised at what this ingredient can do.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is another great substitution for yogurt.
The dough will be a bit denser than with other substitutes, but the naan bread will still be fluffy and delicious.
Simply add the same amount of cream cheese as you would yogurt to the dough mixture.
For best results, use full-fat cream cheese so that the naan doesn’t end up too dry.
You’ll end up with slightly different textured naan than if you used yogurt – it will be a little denser – but it will still be delicious.
So next time your recipe calls for yogurt, don’t worry if you don’t have any because you can use the cream cheese from your fridge instead.
Ricotta cheese
Next, you can try using ricotta cheese.
Just like cream cheese, this ingredient will also result in a denser naan.
But it’s still a delicious way to make the bread if you don’t have yogurt on hand.
To start, add the ricotta to the dough in place of the yogurt.
Then, add a bit more flour to the mixture so that it’s not too wet.
The result will be a slightly different textured naan, but it will still be fluffy and delicious.
So if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, this is a great way to go.
Plain vegan yogurt
If you can’t find any of the substitutes above, or if you’re simply looking for a vegan option, then plain vegan yogurt is a great choice.
There are many brands of vegan yogurt on the market, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
When using vegan yogurt in place of yogurt, you’ll need to use a little less than an equal amount.
For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of yogurt, use 3/4 cup of vegan yogurt.
You may also need to add a bit more flour to the dough so that it’s not too wet.
But overall, using vegan yogurt is a great way to make dairy-free naan bread.
Cream fraiche
Using cream fraiche is another great way to make naan bread without yogurt.
This one is good because it’s a little bit lighter than the yogurt, but it still has that same creamy flavor.
Cream fraiche is also a great way to add some extra creaminess to your naan bread.
I like to add a dollop of it on top of my naan before serving, and it always goes over really well with guests.
To start, first, combine the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
Then, add the melted butter and cream fraiche and mix until well combined.
Next, add the water and knead for about 10 minutes.
The dough should be smooth and sticky.
After that, cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Once it’s doubled in size, shape it into balls and roll them out onto a floured surface.
Cook the naan on a hot griddle or in a frying pan for about 2 minutes per side.
Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Quark cheese
Quark cheese is another great option for making naan bread without yogurt.
It’s a little bit lighter and has a slightly tangy flavor that goes well with the other ingredients.
Plus, it’s a good source of protein and calcium.
To make this, first, combine the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
Then, add the melted butter and quark cheese and mix until well combined.
Next, add the water and knead for about 10 minutes.
The dough should be smooth and sticky.
After that, cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Once it’s doubled in size, shape it into balls and roll them out onto a floured surface.
Cook the naan on a hot griddle or in a frying pan for about 2 minutes per side.
Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Labneh cheese
Have you ever thought about using labneh cheese in your naan bread? It’s a great option because it’s thick and creamy, but it’s also slightly tangy.
This makes it a delicious addition to the dough.
Plus, it’s packed with protein and calcium.
To make this, first, combine the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
Then, add the melted butter and labneh cheese and mix until well combined.
Next, add the water and knead for about 10 minutes.
The dough should be smooth and sticky.
After that, cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Once it’s doubled in size, shape it into balls and roll them out onto a floured surface.
Cook the naan on a hot griddle or in a frying pan for about 2 minutes per side.
Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Kefir
Finally, kefir is another great option for making naan bread without yogurt.
It’s a fermented milk drink that’s packed with probiotics and has a slightly tangy flavor.
Plus, it’s a good source of protein and calcium.
To make this, first, combine the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
Then, add the melted butter and kefir and mix until well combined.
Next, add the water and knead for about 10 minutes.
The dough should be smooth and sticky.
After that, cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Once it’s doubled in size, shape it into balls and roll them out onto a floured surface.
Cook the naan on a hot griddle or in a frying pan for about 2 minutes per side.
Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Is naan bread unhealthy?
It’s somewhat true.
Naan bread has some calories that are from fat and carbs.
You should eat it in moderation, but not too much. Sometimes restaurants put garlic butter on it which can lead to an excess of saturated fats within a meal.
What does milk do in naan?
Milk makes the dough softer. It is sometimes used instead of yeast.
Can I use sour cream here?
Yes, you can.
What are the black bits in naan bread?
The black bits are seeds.
They are called nigella seeds, but sometimes people call them onion seeds, but they are not onions. They have a rich flavor and are used in Indian cooking.
Why is naan bread so expensive?
Naan bread is more expensive than other types of flour because it sometimes has a yellow color. Manufacturers know some people don’t like the yellow color. They add bleach to make the color white and that makes it more expensive. (source)
Why does my naan bread not rise?
You can’t make bread if you don’t have any yeast. If the yeast is old, it won’t work and your bread will stay flat.
You need to use the right combination of ingredients, and not too much or too little of each one.
When it is cold outside, the yeast doesn’t work so well. And when it’s hot outside, sometimes it will kill the yeast in your dough so nothing happens.
Is naan dough supposed to be sticky?
The dough should feel soft and not too sticky. If it feels very sticky, put some oil on your hands. Keep kneading the dough.
Has naan bread got milk in it?
Naan bread is made with enriched dough. Enriched dough often has dairy in it, usually yogurt and ghee or butter. These ingredients make the bread soft and full of flavor.
Can you freeze naan bread?
You can freeze naan bread, but it’s not as good as fresh naan.
To freeze it, first, let the bread cool down completely. Then put it in a freezer bag or wrap it in foil. Make sure to write the date on the package so you know how long it’s been in the freezer.
When you want to eat it, take it out of the freezer and put it in the oven at a low temperature. It will probably take about 10-15 minutes to cook.
What can I do with naan bread that’s been sitting in the fridge?
You can put it in the oven at a low temperature and cook it for 10-15 minutes. You can also fry it in a pan with some oil.
Why is naan bread so popular?
Naan bread is popular because it is a delicious and versatile food. It can be served with many different meals, and it’s perfect for dipping into sauces. Naan is also very easy to make at home.
Should you refrigerate naan bread?
Naan bread doesn’t need to be refrigerated, but it will last longer if you do. It’s best to store it in a sealed container or bag in a cool, dry place. If it starts to get hard or dry, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up again.
Does naan have eggs?
Yes, naan bread has eggs and milk in it. Indian chefs fry naan bread in garlic ghee (clarified butter) to make the outside golden brown.
Should naan be refrigerated?
It should be stored in its original packaging.
At room temperature, it will last for five to seven days. It is not good to refrigerate naan bread because it will dry out faster.
There is no more room in the pantry– naan bread is best stored where it’s cool and dry.
Can I put naan dough in the fridge?
Yes, you can put naan dough in the fridge.
Put it in a bowl. Wash it and dry it off with a towel. Coat the bowl with oil so the dough doesn’t stick to it.
Put some of your dough in there, cover it with plastic wrap, and let the dough rise for 8 hours or overnight on some low heat – or let sit on your counter for 8 hours or overnight if more convenient.
If you’re not ready to bake yet but want to save your dough for later, just refrigerate up to 3 days until ready.
Can I freeze naan dough?
You can freeze naan dough. Freezing helps keep it fresh and crisp.
Why is naan bad for you?
This type of bread is very soft and does not have many nutritional benefits.
Most recipes for this bread call for yogurt, which can be good because it makes the bread fluffy. But the recipe also calls for white flour, sugar, and oil, which are not so good.
What is the healthiest naan bread?
There are many types of bread that are healthier than others.
Naan bread contains fiber, while white rice does not. Brown rice is also a healthy choice because it has more fiber and less salt. (source)
Is yeast or baking powder better for naan?
Some people use yeast and some people use baking powder to make naan. It’s up to you.
Why does naan have yogurt?
Yogurt is used to make Naan soft. It gives it a good flavor. But you can make the dough with yeast instead, which will also work to make it soft and fluffy.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a few different substitutes for yogurt that you can use to make delicious, fluffy naan bread at home.
No matter what you choose, you’ll end up with a tasty result that everyone will enjoy.
So next time your recipe calls for yogurt, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have any on hand.
Just reach for one of the substitutes above, and you’ll be well on your way to making delicious naan bread.