8 Easy Substitute for Yogurt in naan bread recipe | No yogurt no Yeast

Naan is a delicious Indian fluffy flatbread that you can easily make at home (I add my recipe at the end of the list and also add my tricks that help your naan be more soft and fluffy as well).

The key ingredient to make naan is Yogurt, which you may don’t have or a simple lactose issue or I must you can’t have a bite of naan because It is not vegan. Whatever the yogurt substitution in naan is-

The good news is there are easy substitutes for yogurt in Naan, which are dairy-based also non-dairy alternatives.

So, without further due know the best Yogurt substitute in Naan and your recipe to get started making your Naan today!

For a real Quick solution What I use instead of Yogurt in My Naan Recipe-

Vegan yogurt, Lactose-free Yogurt, Buttermilk, Sour Cream, Creme Fraiche, Greek Yogurt, Milk, Curd+Butter. 

What is Naan & What does naan taste like?

Naan is a type of leavened flatbread popular in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Central Asia. It is made from white flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk, yogurt, and warm water and is often consumed with various curries or other spicy dishes like butter chicken, Chana Masala so on. 

Naan has a sweet and slightly sour aftertaste and a soft chewy same time. There are different types of Naan available like butter naan, tandoori naan, and normal naan. All have significant taste depending on the making ingredients.

It is traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, a type of clay oven that reaches high temperatures by burning wood or charcoal. 

Why does Naan Need Yogurt?

Traditionally Naan requires yogurt or milk to make the dough. Why are they used? Is it simply an old technique that has come down through the centuries, or is there something more to this kind of dough?

The yogurt in Naan helps keep the dough soft, elastic, and slightly sticky, which is necessary for the Naan to rise and form those characteristic air pockets. 

Without yogurt, the dough would be dry and crumbly, making it difficult to form into Naan. 

Additionally, yogurt contains lactic acid, giving Naan its characteristic sourdough flavor.

When you add yogurt or milk to the dough, you add lactic acid. This acid helps activate the yeast, making it grow faster, creating more carbon dioxide gas, and making it double in size.

8 Ideal Substitutes for Yogurt in naan bread recipe no yeast, no yogurt

1. LACTOSE-FREE YOGHURT– Best Substitute for Yogurt in Naan

Lactose-free yogurt is a great way to enjoy all the benefits of yogurt without having to worry about digestive problems caused by lactose intolerance. 

Lactose-free yogurt is also a fantastic source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which can help keep your digestive system healthy.

How much Use- 1:1 Ratio

Lactose-Free yogurt is a similar taste to normal yogurt. You can use the same amount of lactose-free yogurt for your naan bread.

There are many different ways to enjoy lactose-free yogurt. You can eat it plain as a snack, use it as a base for smoothies and shakes, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes. 

Lactose-free yogurt is easy to find and you can find form Amazon as well.

2. BUTTERMILK

Buttermilk is another great choice for yogurt to make naan or marination.

Using buttermilk in place of yogurt has one advantage that is- the naan dough will ferment faster and make softer and more delicious naan.

How much use- 1 cup buttermilk for 1 Spoon of Yogurt

How to use- Add dry active yeast and sugar to buttermilk and keep it at room temperature for 30 minutes. 

Use this mixture to make dough. Keep the dough covered in a bowl for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. Proceed with the recipe.

Note- Buttermilk contains more liquid thin than yogurt, so reduce the milk amount by about one-fourth and add according to your need to make the dough better.

3. SOUR CREAM – Popular Replacement for Yogurt in Naan Bread

I Sometimes use sour cream instead of yogurt in my naan bread recipe, sour cream makes it richer, and creamier and provides a nice texture while the aftertaste is tangier than yogurt gives.

How much Use: 1/2 Cup Sour Cream = 1 cup of Yogurt

The sour cream will add a nice tanginess to the bread, making it a bit softer and more fluffy. 

How to use- Add dry active yeast and sugar to buttermilk and keep it at room temperature for 30 minutes. 

Note to remember- Just make sure that you don’t add too much, or else your Naan will be too dense and heavy. Reduce the Milk amount of half then add gradually if required.

A Word of Warning: Be careful not to over-bake your Naan. If you let it cook for too long, it will become dry and chewy. So keep an eye on it as it cooks, and remove it from the oven as soon as you see browning on the surface.

4. Make No Yeast Naan With CREME FRAICHE

Yogurt & Creme Fraiche is both rich and creamy with a satiny smooth similar texture. They are tangy but sweet. It can be used in similar ways. It is easy to make, and less expensive than store-bought.

Creme Fraiche (pronounced “krem fresh”) is very thick with a consistency almost like mayonnaise. 

It is made from cultured cream, which is cream that the addition of lactic acid bacteria has thickened. 

How much use- 1/2 amount of yogurt

The bacteria ferment the lactose in the cream to produce lactic acid, thickening the cream.

Creme Fraiche can be substituted for yogurt in many recipes. So may try to make Naan also, but I don’t like the texture; it does not give me the desired form that I want. But the taste same as Naan.

You can experiment with it and let me know in the comment section.

5. GREEK YOGURT

If you desire a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your naan bread, consider using greek yogurt as a substitute for traditional yogurt. 

Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than traditional yogurt. It has a slightly tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm and subtly spicy flavor of naan bread. 

Additionally, Greek yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which can help keep your digestive system healthy.

How much use- 1:1 Ratio 

To make naan bread with greek yogurt, start by mixing together all of the ingredients for the dough. 

Then, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. 

Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, then roll it out into golf ball-sized pieces. 

Heat a skillet until it is very hot, and cook each dough ball for about 2 minutes per side. Brush with greek yogurt and serve warm.

Here is your Greek Yogurt Naan Bread. Trust me its feel extraordinary; the softness of naan bread perfectly goes with any spicy gravy.

6. MILK

You’re running out of yogurt; I guess milk present in the fridge. Use Milk alternative to yogurt in making Naan. The process is the same as yogurt, just the amount is double.

How much use- 2 cup milk for 1 cup yogurt

For example, if you need 1 cup of yogurt, use 2 cups of warm milk with flour instead, so the consistency becomes thick like traditional yogurt. 

7. SOYA YOGURT

Soya yogurt is the perfect vegan alternative to yogurt in naan for those who have lactose intolerance and is vegan. Soya yogurt or Soy Yogurt ( what you call it) is exactly the same consistency as yogurt; there is nothing change in recipe, taste, or texture.

The amount is also the same. Just follow the regular Naan process and give Soy yogurt instead of yogurt.

Additionally, Soy yogurt is plant-based and brings lots of nutrients to the bread. Serve with your favorite side dishes. 

8. CURD+ Butter (Homemade Yogurt Alternative)

Making naan dough is a labor-intensive process that usually involves hours of kneading and resting. But what if there was a way to make the dough without all that work?

Enter curd. Curd is a good substitute for yogurt in naan dough, and it doesn’t require any kneading or resting time. In fact, you can have naan dough ready in just minutes by using curd and butter.

The result was just good in my last attempt with baking soda instead of yeast.

Here’s how to make naan dough with curd:

1. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

2. Add 1/4 cup of curd + 1 Tablespoon of butter and 1/4 cup of water to the bowl, and use your hands to mix the ingredients together.

3. Knead for a few minutes until you have a smooth dough that doesn’t stick to your fingers. If it’s still a little sticky or wet, add a little more flour. 

You should be able to pull the dough into a sheet without it breaking right away.

4. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then cook the Naan for about a minute on each side or until small bubbles form on top of the Naan and it’s browned in spots. Repeat with remaining dough.

5. Use immediately or wrap in foil to keep warm. Serve with your favorite curries or dips.

So next time you’re in the mood for some naan, give this easy curd dough a try. You’ll be surprised at how delicious and fluffy it turns out- This worked like a charm, and the Naan came out looking very professional.

Naan Without Yogurt and Yeast

There are different variations of Naan, and one of them is a yeast-free version made without yogurt. This recipe results in a soft, fluffy naan that’s perfect for dipping into your favorite curry or stew.

Ingredients:

• · 1 -1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• · 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• · 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• · 1/4 teaspoon salt
• · 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• · 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

Directions for an easy naan bread recipe no yeast, no yogurt

1. preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet or use a non-stick baking liner.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in olive oil or melted butter and milk. Stir until the dough comes together.

3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces.

4. Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then use your hands to flatten the balls into 1/2-inch thick disks. 

Place on a greased baking sheet or a non-stick baking liner. Bake for 7 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve warm with garlic butter or your favorite dip.

Can I use milk instead of yogurt?

You can use milk instead of yogurt, but the results may not be as good. Milk does not have the same bacteria as yogurt, so it may not ferment properly and produce the desired results. 

Additionally, milk may not contain all of the nutrients that yogurt does. If you choose to use milk instead of yogurt, be sure to monitor the process carefully to ensure that the milk ferments properly.

Some Dishes Good pair with Naan ( Don’t miss out if you want to enjoy Traditional relish)

• Butter Chicken
• Sambal Soft Shell Crab
• Grilled Beef with Rendang Sauce
• Spicy Chicken
• Spicy Gravy
• Chana Matar
• Beef recipes
• Gravy

Wrap Up on Yogurt Substitute for Naan

The substitute for yogurt in the naan recipe method is easy and quite straightforward. 

No rocket science here at all, yet delicious. The result was quite close to the real thing. 

But I guess without a proper tandoor oven, it would be difficult to get that same texture. 

However, with a little practice and some care, you can get pretty close to the real thing at home. However, the substitute for yogurt in the naan recipe is a great way to avoid dairy if that’s an issue.

FAQs Related to Yogurt in Naan & Its Alternative