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Chickpea flour naan is the vegan, grain-free, yeast-free & gluten-free flatbread you have been looking for! Make it in minutes on the stovetop and serve warm alongside any and all of your favorite dinners and lunches.
Make Naan At Home, with Ease
Have you ever made naan?
I love to eat it, but only starting making it last year when it was hard to get out and shop. And guess what: it is soooo simple (no Tandoor oven required, just a hot skillet and a stovetop)!
Here’s some more good news: I’ve come up with a quick and easy vegan, grain-free version of naan made with chickpea flour. It is absolutely scrumptious (even more so if you and some garlic). You can make it in minutes, too, with nothing more than a bowl, a mixing spoon or spatula, and the aforementioned skillet. That’s (always) my kind of bread.
Chickpea Flour Naan Benefits
This filling flatbread is nourishing, satisfying, and all of the following, too:
- Vegan (no eggs, no dairy)
- Yeast-free
- High Fiber (7 grams per naan)
- High protein (7 grams per naan)
- Grain-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Added sugar-free
Ready to make a batch?
Ingredients for Chickpea Flour Naan
The ingredients for this hearty naan are minimal. I tried making the naan with even fewer ingredients (e.g., chickpea flour, water, baking powder or soda) but, oy vey: the results were crumbly, hard and decidedly not naan. Several rounds–and a select number of key additions– later, I landed on the right combination of components.
Here is what you will need:
- Nondairy milk. Use any (plain) variety you like or prefer. For testing purposes, I used hemp milk.
- Lemon juice. This is added to the milk to create a nondairy buttermilk. An equal amount of vinegar (apple cider, white, or another neutral vinegar) can be used in its place.
- Vegetable oil. A small amount is added to the dough to make the naan tender. Use any neutral-flavored oil that you prefer.
- Chickpea flour. Also known as garbanzo bean flour, gram flour and besan, this is finely ground dried chickpeas. It is high in protein and fiber and gives this version of naan a rich, nutty flavor.
- Whole psyllium husks. This is what holds the naan together (it acts in lieu of eggs and gluten). It allows the dough to be rolled out and gives the resulting flatbreads a bread-y texture. Be sure to use whole psyllium husks (see my notes if you only have psyllium powder; the quantities are very different).
- Baking powder & Baking soda. The leavening agents that add some subtle lift to the bread.
- Salt. Salt brings out the flavor of the bread, plain and simple. It is always adjustable according to your needs and preferences.
- Optional: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder. I love garlic naan, so I usually add some garlic powder as I mix the dough. You are welcome to use minced fresh garlic (2 to 3 small cloves) in place of the powder.
How to Make Chickpea Flour Naan
Step 1: Sour the Milk
Before mixing the dry ingredients, combine the nondairy milk and lemon juice in a small bowl. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes to curdle. The result is a nondairy buttermilk, which adds to the flavor and naan.
I tried making this with water in place of the milk in earlier testing batches. The naan still “works,” but the milk version is significantly better in terms of tenderness and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
This is a yeast-free recipe; hence the dough comes together in a minute’s time!
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the chickpea flour, whole psyllium husks, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. If you want to make this garlic naan, stir in the (optional) garlic powder as well.
Add the nondairy milk mixture and the oil to the dry ingredients. Mix, scraping the sides of the bowl, until a thick cohesive dough forms. Let it stand for a minute or two to allow the psyllium to absorb the liquid. The result is light, springy dough.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Divide the dough into 3 equal portions (you can use your kitchen scale, or just eyeball it). Using your hands, roll each portion into a ball and place on a well-floured (with chickpea flour) cutting board or other work surface.
Step 4: Roll the Dough
Place one dough ball in the center of the board and sprinkle with some of the chickpea flour. I like to press the dough out with my fingers to get started. Press the dough into an oval-ish shape.
Before rolling, make sure that the board directly underneath the dough is coated in flour (to avoid sticking). Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a wide oval shape that is about 7- to 8-inches long, 4- to 5-inches wide. If you prefer, simply roll the dough into a 6- to 7-inch circle.
Spritz the dough with nonstick cooking spray or very lightly brush with additional oil (to prevent sticking).
Step 5: Cook the Naan
Heat a medium or large cast-iron skillet (or other heavy, non-stick skillet) over medium-high heat until it is hot. Add a piece of the rolled-out dough, sprayed/oiled side down, to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, or until the top of the dough begins to bubble up slightly in a few places (it will not be a dramatic rise) and the bottom has deep golden-brown spots (when you lift and peek).
Using a spatula, turn the dough onto the other side. Cook the second side for about 1 minute longer, or until the bottom it has deep golden spots, too. Transfer the naan to a rack or plate.
Lightly cover the naan with a clean dish towel so that it stays warm. Repeat with remaining dough until the other two pieces of naan are cooked. Adjust the heat of the skillet, as needed, to prevent the skillet from becoming too hot (to avoid scorching the naan).
The chickpea flour naan is best served warm, soon after making it. If you like, sprinkle with some finely chopped cilantro or parsley, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Yum!
Note that chickpea flour naan is denser than traditional naan (the latter is fluffy and pliable). But this version is unique, delicious, and very filling, with a rich, nutty flavor. It is perfect with traditional Indian food, but also as an accompaniment to any soup, stew, salad, or any dish that could use some hearty bread alongside (that would be every dinner at my house).
FAQ
Can I Use a Different Grain-Free or Gluten-Free Flor?
No, not for this recipe. Chickpea flour is unlike any other flour; this recipe was developed specifically for chickpea flour. I have many other flatbreads and tortillas on the site using other flours.
Can I Use Something Other than Whole Psyllium Husks?
Yes. The one alternative is psyllium powder. Please see the recipe notes for adjusting the proportions. The same weight of psyllium is used (husks to powder) but the dry measurement is different (i.e., 1 tablespoon of psyllium powder is 5 grams, 1 teaspoon of psyllium powder is 4 to 5 grams, depending on the brand).
Other gelling agents, such as flaxseed meal or chia seeds, will not work as substitutes for psyllium in this recipe.
Can Additional Flavors, Besides Garlic, Be Added to the Naan?
Yes! While not traditional, you can add whatever spices and herbs you like. Dry spices (e.g., cumin, turmeric, chili powder, smoked paprika), dried herbs (e.g., Italian herbs, basil, rosemary, oregano), onion powder, black pepper or finely chopped fresh herbs can be added in step 2.
Enjoy!
More Chickpea Flour Breads to Make & Love:
- Chickpea Flour Sandwich Bread {Grain-Free, Vegan, 5 Ingredients}
- Chickpea Flour Beer Bread {3 ingredients, vegan}
- Chickpea Flour Soda Bread {vegan, grain-free}
- Chickpea Flour Flax Sandwich Bread {vegan, grain-free, oil-free}
- 2-Ingredient Chickpea Flour Tortillas {vegan, grainfree}
- Basic Vegan Chickpea Flour Muffins {grain-free, oil-free}
Yield: 3 naan (flatbreads)
Chickpea Flour Naan {vegan, grain-free, easy}
Chickpea flour naan is the vegan, grain-free, yeast-free & gluten-free flatbread you've been looking for! Make it in minutes on the stovetop.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) nondairy milk
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice (or use vinegar)
- 1 cup (120 g) chickpea flour
- 3 tablespoons (15 g) whole psyllium husks (see note for psyllium powder)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- Optional: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Optional:
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (any variety)
- Nonstick cooking spray or additional oil for brushing
Instructions
- In a small bowl or cup, combine the milk and lemon juice. Let stand 5 minutes to curdle.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the chickpea flour, whole psyllium husks, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. If you want to make this garlic naan, stir in the (optional) garlic powder as well.
- Add the nondairy milk mixture and oil to the bowl. Mix, scraping sides of the bowl, until a cohesive dough forms. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes (this allows the psyllium to absorb the liquid, making the dough easier to handle).
- Divide the dough into 3 equal portions (you can use your kitchen scale, or just eyeball it). Using your hands, roll each portion into a ball and place on a well-floured (with chickpea flour) cutting board or other work surface.
- Place one dough ball in the center of the well-floured board; sprinkle with some of the chickpea flour. With fingers, press dough into an oval-ish shape. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a wide oval shape that is about 7- to 8-inches long, 4- to 5-inches wide Spritz the dough with nonstick cooking spray or very lightly brush with additional oil.
- Heat a medium or large cast-iron skillet (or other heavy, non-stick skillet) over medium-high heat until it is hot. Add a piece of the rolled-out dough, sprayed/oiled side down, to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or until the top of the dough begins to bubble up slightly in a few places and the bottom has deep golden-brown spots (when you lift and peek).
- Using a spatula, turn the dough onto the other side. Cook the second side for about 1 minute longer, or until the bottom it has deep golden spots, too. Transfer the naan to a rack or plate. Loosely cover with a clean dish cloth to keep warm.
- Repeat with remaining dough. If desire, sprinkle with parsley, cilantro, or flaky salt. Serve warm.
Notes
Chickpea flour tip: You can use any variety of chickpea flour (including varieties labeled besan, garbanzo bean flour and gram flour).
Vinegar tip: If using vinegar instead of lemon juice, opt for a relatively neutral-flavored option (e.g., cider vinegar or white vinegar).
Psyllium Powder Substitution: For best results, I recommend using whole psyllium husks. However, if you only have psyllium husk powder, use 1 tablespoon powder (15 grams) in place of the whole psyllium husks (note: I have not tested the recipe with psyllium husk powder).
Nutrition Information
Serving Size
1 large naan
Amount Per ServingCalories 182Total Fat 7.1gSaturated Fat 3.7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 543mgCarbohydrates 22.5gFiber 7gSugar 3.3gProtein 7.2g
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FAQs
Is naan bread made from chickpea flour? ›
Ingredients for Vegan Gluten free Naan Bread
Chickpea flour is the main ingredients in these Naans. Chickpea flour is a flour of white chickpeas, while besan is a flour of skinned brown chickpeas.
Since chickpea flour is made from legumes, not grain, it is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Why do vegans use chickpea flour? ›Chickpea flour is very versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Chickpea flour makes a wonderful gluten-free flour due its naturally sticky gluten-like properties; and a great flour to use in vegan recipes as well due to its wonderful binding properties leaving no need for the use of eggs!
What Indian bread is made from chickpea flour? ›Chickpea flour naan is the vegan, grain-free, yeast-free & gluten-free flatbread you have been looking for! Make it in minutes on the stovetop and serve warm alongside any and all of your favorite dinners and lunches.
Can I substitute chickpea flour for bread flour? ›Chickpeas flour is gluten-free and is a perfect replacement for your commonly used wheat flour. Chickpeas have no cholesterol and are rich in nutrition. Chickpea flour can substitute for wheat flour at a ratio of 1:1. One cup of chickpea flour can perfectly replace one cup of wheat or white flour.
What is the healthiest type of naan? ›Opt for whole wheat naan if you're looking to maximize your health benefits, and try to serve it alongside other nutritious foods.
Can I eat chickpeas on a grain free diet? ›This includes all types of nuts and seeds, as well as butters and flours made from them. Non-grain-based flours and foods made from them. Almond, flaxseed, chickpea, soy, red lentil, and coconut flour, as well as noodles, bread, and other baked goods made from them, are permitted.
Is chickpea flour inflammatory? ›Chickpea flour is also an amazing anti-inflammatory food, as consuming legumes has anti-inflammatory properties and provides protective benefits against cancer, especially cancer of the digestive system, including colon, stomach and kidney cancer.
Does chickpea flour cause gas? ›The large units of chickpea flour do not get easily absorbed into the small intestine. Therefore, the undigested particles are passed on to the large intestine. The guts try to break it down through fermentation. During this process, hydrogen and smelling methane gas are produced that make you pass gas.
Does chickpea flour need to be soaked? ›No need to presoak or dehydrate. Dried chickpeas are already dry and you will be using the flour to cook or bake with so no additional cooking is necessary. You may need to process in batches depending on how large your blender or coffee grinder is.
Can I substitute chickpea flour for all-purpose flour? ›
How to Substitute Chickpea Flour: You can substitute 1 cup of regular white flour for 3/4 cup Chickpea flour.
How do you get the bitterness out of chickpea flour? ›Chickpea flour is raw and tastes bitter so it's important it's cooked thoroughly for it to lose the bitter taste and become easily digestible. To be sure, check the mixture. If it's still bitter cook for a bit longer - add a tiny bit more water if you need to.
Is chickpea flour the healthiest flour? ›The bottom line
Chickpea flour is full of healthy nutrients. It's a great alternative to refined wheat flour, as it's lower in carbs and calories yet richer in protein and fiber. Research suggests that it may have antioxidant potential and could decrease levels of the harmful compound acrylamide in processed foods.
According to new research published in the journal Food Hydrocolloids, chickpea flour can help lower your diabetes risk or help control existing diabetes, since it may improve blood glucose regulation (as opposed to wheat flour).
What is special about chickpea flour? ›Unlike all-purpose flour, chickpea flour is high in protein, fibre and micronutrients, while being low in carbohydrates and calories. Half a cup of chickpea flour contains an impressive 11 grams of protein, 5 grams of fibre, and nutrients like folate, iron, magnesium and zinc. Chickpea flour is also heart-healthy.
Which is healthier chickpea flour or Almond Flour? ›CHICKPEA (Garbanzo Bean) FLOUR
Garbanzo bean flour comes from the chickpea (garbanzo bean) and is lower in calories and fat than almond, coconut and even quinoa flours.
But chickpea flour, Love explains, "is a naturally dense flour, and because of that denseness, and its innate binding tendencies, it lends baked goods a sturdy yet tender texture when mixed with other gluten-free flours. So, for quick breads, muffins, and cakes, it holds up extremely well."
Is chickpea flour just ground chickpeas? ›Chickpea flour is made from dry chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. A similar flour made from yellow gram lentils, which are split chickpeas is called gram flour. Split chickpea flour is called Besan in Hindi. You will find both of these commonly referred to as Chickpea flour.
Is naan good for weight loss? ›No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss. Naan is made of mainly maida. Maida consumption in any food should be totally avoided or just a little bit of usage as any consumption of this will cause a larger spike in blood levels which is not good for diabetics, heart patients.
What is a good substitute for naan? ›What most people don't realize is, most Indians don't eat naan everyday. It's a treat reserved for special occasions. A healthier alternative that is eaten daily in most indian households, is roti (also called chapati or fulka). It's an unleavened flatbread made of just two ingredients - whole wheat flour and water.
Why is naan bread so fattening? ›
A typical Naan bread contains many fats such as butter, oil, eggs, and yogurt. This means that you can expect some fat to be in the bread rather than just carbs. This makes it harder to eat when sticking to a healthy diet as it pushes your diet to consist mainly of carbs and fats.
What happens to your body when you stop eating grains? ›Cutting out grains completely could lead to some bathroom troubles. "You may become more backed up," says Lockwood. "Turns out the bran in whole grains has fiber which helps keep you regular." Making sure you're eating other foods high in fiber — like fruits or leafy greens — can help combat this problem.
Who should avoid chickpeas? ›03/4Chickpeas are made up of oligosaccharides
Therefore chickpeas must always be eaten in small quantities and must be avoided by people suffering from digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
1. Allergic reaction. Some people are allergic to legumes, including chickpeas. Eating chickpeas if you have an intolerance may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and itching of the skin.
Do chickpeas spike insulin? ›No, chickpeas do not raise blood sugar. Chickpeas help lower blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index.
Which flour is best for anti-inflammatory diet? ›Buckwheat flour.
Buckwheat flour is a good source of fiber and protein as well as some micronutrients like manganese, magnesium, and iron. It has some anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. It may also promote healthy bacteria in the digestive system.
Protects Against Arthritis and Alzheimer's: Chickpeas (garbanzo) are a good source of vitamin K which helps the body absorb nutritional calcium while also helps protect against arthritis and Alzheimer's.
Are chickpeas good for IBS? ›Legumes, or beans, are often called the “musical fruit” because they contain indigestible saccharides. Baked beans, chickpeas, lentils and soybeans have high amounts. So IBS patients should avoid them, or eat them in very small quantities.
Do chickpeas make you gain weight? ›Do chickpeas make you gain weight? A. No, they don't. On the contrary, they help you lose weight since they contain fibre which helps you feel full for longer.
Why are chickpeas so hard to digest? ›Chickpeas, even when cooked, can be very difficult to digest. According to the Cleveland Clinic, legumes (or beans) contain indigestible saccharides (sugars) that can cause uncomfortable bloating due to gas buildup.
What happens if you don't Soak chickpeas before cooking? ›
Do You Have to Soak Beans Before Cooking? No, you don't have to soak beans before you cook them. If you forget, you can simply start the cooking process, but expect them to take longer to cook than if you had soaked them first. It can take up to twice the time if you don't soak them first.
Is it OK to eat raw chickpea flour? ›Chickpea flour or Garbanzo flour is ok for raw baking though it has a bitter taste. Corn flour is safe raw but doesn't have a particularly pleasant taste and texture. Quinoa flour made from raw, sprouted, and soaked grains is safe to eat but not commonly used. Oat flour is another safe-to-eat-raw flour.
What happens if chickpeas soak too long? ›It's not recommended to soak chickpeas or other pulses in the fridge for much longer than 48 hours, as they may start to ferment. Drain the chickpeas, give them a quick rinse, and they're ready to cook (see below).
Is chickpea flour good for diabetics? ›Chickpea flour
Made from dried garbanzo beans that have been ground into a fine powder, chickpea flour is a common flour substitute for people with diabetes.
Gram flour is made from dried, ground chickpeas and is a staple food in the Indian subcontinent. The gluten-free flour is high in fiber and protein and is used to make papadums, pakoras, bonda, chakli, and more. Graham flour is a whole wheat flour and is not gluten-free.
What is most similar to chickpea flour? ›The best substitutes for chickpea flour are Quinola Flour, Oat Flour and Almond Flour. Millet Flour and Cassava Flour are also good chickpea flour alternatives.
What does baking soda do to chickpeas? ›They heat the mixture in a pot for a few minutes before adding water and cooking the chickpeas as usual. The alkaline environment created by the baking soda helps break down the pectin in the beans, softening the beans' skins so well that they disintegrate during cooking and are easily rinsed away.
Does chickpea flour need to be heat treated? ›Flours like oat flour and chickpea flour do not need to be heat-treated because they do not harbor harmful bacteria as a raw flour, unlike all purpose flour which can harbor such bacteria and thus needs to be heat-treated before consuming.
Does chickpea flour have an aftertaste? ›For most baked recipes the flour will leave a raw bitter after taste. For some recipes, chickpea flour or besan can substitute a portion of the gluten-free flour blend.
What flour is naan bread made from? ›Naan is made with all purpose flour and you will need yeast to make the dough.
What bread is made from chickpeas? ›
Here's everything you need to know about making socca.
The basic batter is equal parts chickpea flour and water, with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes before cooking — this makes the interior creamy when cooked.
Naan is a soft and pillowy Indian-style flatbread traditionally made in a tandoor, or cylindrical clay oven. It's made from a yeast dough enriched with yogurt and olive oil and delicately flavored with anise seeds.
What is traditional naan made from? ›A typical naan recipe involves mixing white or whole wheat flour with active dry yeast, salt, and water. The dough is kneaded for a few minutes, then set aside to rise for a few hours. Once risen, the dough is divided into balls (about 100 g or 3.5 oz each), which are flattened and cooked.
What is vegan naan made of? ›Easy vegan naan bread is made with basic ingredients like flour, yeast, water, non-dairy milk, and a bit of sugar. In my recipe, however, I use soy milk instead of non-dairy milk to it keep it soft and nice.
Why is naan bread not vegan? ›Unfortunately, the majority of naan isn't suitable for vegans as they often contain ghee (clarified butter), yoghurt, milk or even eggs. However, it's not impossible to find vegan-friendly naan in supermarkets, it's just worth double-checking ingredients lists.
Which naan is vegan? ›Brands of Vegan-Friendly Naan Bread
Brands include Punjaban, who produce superb vegan naans, both plain and garlic and coriander, whilst Leicester's Clay Oven Bakery have been going well over 10 years and all their products are vegan.
Chickpea flour is a great gluten-free substitute for wheat or all-purpose flour in many recipes, and can also be used to thicken sauces or curries.
Why do vegans love chickpeas? ›The chickpea is a member of the legume family. Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are high in protein and fiber, making them appealing to vegans and vegetarians as a great source of plant-based protein . One cup of chickpeas has approximately 14.5 grams of protein and 12.5 grams of fiber.
Is naan healthier or rice? ›Since most naan breads contain fiber from whole wheat, they are a healthier grain choice than white rice, which is devoid of fiber. However, brown rice is a healthier grain choice than naan because it's fiber rich and contains less salt and fewer calories.
Is naan healthy or rice? ›Naan bread can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you choose whole grain varieties. Naan bread contains vitamins and minerals like niacin, fiber, and iron, as well as fiber. It also is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy.
What is difference between pita and naan? ›
The difference between the two is that Naan is usually made with an egg and yogurt base that thickens and gives it a different texture when cooking. Pita bread is a leaner dough that is a thinner and usually consists of basic ingredients such as flour, water, yeast, salt and olive oil.
Why is my naan not soft? ›My secret ingredient is yogurt. I've tried making naan without it in the past and it just doesn't taste same. The yogurt lends a little acidity and helps the dough stay soft. It's the key to keeping the naan soft and pliable.
Why does naan need yogurt? ›The yogurt is used to make the bread soft and fluff, but making Naan bread with yeast and allowing it to raise will give the same results. Yogurt of any type is not mandatory in this recipe. Yeast will do the trick and turn the Naan dough into the softest and most bubbly bread.
Is naan good for health? ›Skip: Naan
And like those fluffy spuds, this soft flatbread has little nutritional value. Most naan recipes call for Greek yogurt to give it that airy texture. But that's more than offset by less healthy ingredients like white flour, sugar, and oil.