Naan Bread On Keto: Is It Possible?

Naan bread is a delicious flatbread that is often served with a variety of dishes, including curries, dips, and soups. However, traditional naan bread is typically made with high-carb wheat flour and sugar-loaded yogurt, making it unsuitable for those following a keto diet. But don't worry, there are several keto-friendly alternatives! These recipes usually involve the use of almond flour, coconut flour, or a combination of both, along with other ingredients like eggs, yogurt, and cheese. These keto naan breads are soft, fluffy, and can be easily made at home, allowing you to enjoy the taste of naan without compromising your dietary preferences.

Keto naan bread recipes

Keto Naan Bread with Coconut Flour

This recipe is for a keto naan bread that is egg-free and gluten-free. It is made with coconut flour, psyllium husk powder, xanthan gum, full-fat yoghurt, and coconut oil. The dough is formed into a ball and then cut into six equal slices and formed into balls. These are then placed between two sheets of parchment paper and rolled out into long flatbreads. They are then baked for 12-15 minutes.

Keto Naan Bread with Almond Flour

This recipe is for a keto naan bread made with almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, apple cider vinegar, an egg, and water. The dough is formed into a ball and then cut into 10 equal portions. These are then rolled out into small balls and flattened into ovals. They are then baked on a sheet of parchment paper for 8-10 minutes, brushed with seasoned melted butter, and then baked for another 1-2 minutes.

Keto Naan Bread with Mozzarella and Almond Flour

This recipe is for a keto naan bread made with mozzarella cheese, milk, almond flour, eggs, and baking powder. The cheese and milk are heated until melted and then combined with the other ingredients to form a dough. The dough is then divided into 8 pieces and flattened into rough circular shapes. These are then baked for 18-20 minutes and then brushed with garlic butter.

Keto Naan Bread with Mozzarella, Greek Yogurt, and Almond Flour

This recipe is for a keto naan bread made with mozzarella cheese, Greek yoghurt, almond flour, eggs, and baking powder. The cheese and yoghurt are combined and heated until melted. This is then combined with the other ingredients to form a dough. The dough is then cut into 6 sections and formed into flatbread shapes. They are then baked for 8-11 minutes, brushed with a mixture of butter, garlic powder, and fresh parsley, and then baked for another 2 minutes.

Keto Naan Bread with Coconut Flour and Psyllium Husk Powder

This recipe is for a keto naan bread made with coconut flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, coconut oil, hot water, and minced garlic. The dry ingredients are combined and then the wet ingredients are added. The dough is then kneaded and allowed to sit for 15 minutes. It is then pulled apart and formed into balls, which are then rolled out and placed in a heated skillet. The naan bread is cooked for a couple of minutes on each side until browned.

Is naan high in fat?

Naan bread is a chewy flatbread made from a mix of white or whole-wheat flour, yeast, eggs, water, and salt. It is typically baked in a tandoor, a traditional cylindrical clay oven, or on a tawa, a flat metal disc pan. While naan can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you choose whole-grain varieties, it is important to consider its nutritional content, including its fat content.

The fat content of naan can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one piece (90g) of plain naan contains about 5.1 grams of fat. This includes approximately 1.3 grams of saturated fat, 1.6 grams of monounsaturated fat, and 1.9 grams of polyunsaturated fat.

When compared to the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended fat intake of no more than 30% of your total daily intake, a single piece of naan contributes a small portion of your daily fat allowance. However, it's important to consider the overall composition of your diet and the types of fats you're consuming to ensure a balanced and nutritious approach.

Some naan recipes, like the keto naan variation, may have a higher fat content due to the use of ingredients like almond flour, mozzarella cheese, and Greek yogurt. For example, a single serving of keto naan made with almond flour can contain up to 21 grams of fat, with a total serving size of 1 piece.

In conclusion, while naan bread does contain fat, the amount can vary depending on the recipe and specific ingredients used. It is important to consider naan as part of your overall diet and ensure that your fat intake aligns with recommended daily allowances and a balanced nutritional approach.

What should I serve with naan?

Naan is a versatile flatbread that can be served with a variety of dishes, both traditional and nontraditional. Here are some ideas on what to serve with naan:

Traditional Dishes

• Curry: Naan is often served with Indian curries such as butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, and vegetable curry.
• Tandoori Chicken: Naan is the perfect accompaniment to tandoori chicken, an Indian dish of yogurt and spice-marinated chicken grilled in a tandoor oven.
• Chutney: Mint, tamarind, and mango chutneys are all great options to serve with naan.
• Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based dip that pairs well with naan.
• Kebabs: Naan can be used to wrap around Indian-style kebabs like seekh kebab and chicken tikka kebab.
• Daal: Naan can be served with this traditional Indian lentil dish.
• Biryani: A spicy Indian rice dish with vegetables and meat that goes well with naan.

Nontraditional Dishes

• Pizza: Use naan as a base for pizza toppings and bake until the cheese melts.
• Sandwiches: Naan adds a unique twist to sandwiches, complementing both savory and sweet fillings.
• Quesadillas: Naan makes a great substitute for tortillas in quesadillas. Fill with cheese and your favorite fillings.
• Chips: Cut naan into triangles, brush with olive oil, bake until crispy, and serve with dips.
• Bruschetta: Top naan with chopped tomatoes, basil, and garlic for a bruschetta-style appetizer.
• Soup or Stew: Naan is a perfect companion to soups and stews, providing textural contrast while absorbing their rich flavors.
• Panini: Use naan for a panini or grilled cheese sandwich, grilling until crispy.
• Carnitas: Top naan with carnitas meat and taco toppings for a soft taco twist.
• Mediterranean Wraps: Fill naan with shredded chicken, hummus, tzatziki sauce, chopped veggies, and crumbled cheese for a quick and easy meal.
• Artisanal Pizza: Spread some marinara or pesto, sprinkle with cheese, add toppings, and bake for an easy and scrumptious family meal.
• Breakfast: Smear naan with avocado, top with a sunny-side-up egg, and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for a delightful breakfast.
• Dessert: Drizzle naan with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, or top with Nutella and strawberries for a dessert pizza!

Can you eat curries when on a keto diet?

Yes, you can eat curries when on a keto diet, but as always, there are exceptions.

Curry, at its base, is not high in carbohydrates. It is made up of a number of herbs, chilies, and spices. Most curries are composed of turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and chilies (either fresh or dried). None of these ingredients are heavy on carbs. However, when you’re buying mass-produced, store-bought curries, you have to watch out for added sugar or flour in the final product, which ups the carb count and can throw off your keto macros.

If you’re making your own curry, you can easily adapt the recipe to be keto-friendly. Here are some tips and suggestions:

• Use healthy oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil for cooking.
• Include plenty of non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach.
• Add high-fat dairy products like cream, cheese, or Greek yogurt in moderation.
• Use nuts and seeds as toppings or for texture.
• Opt for low-carb protein sources such as meat, poultry, or seafood.
• Spice it up with herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and chili powder.
• If you want to include a grain, try using cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of rice or noodles.
• Be mindful of the carb count in store-bought curry pastes or sauces, and choose those with minimal added sugar or flour.

Additionally, if you're craving naan bread to go with your curry, there are keto-friendly options available. Traditional naan bread is made with flour and is not keto-friendly, but you can find recipes for keto naan bread that use alternative ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, or mozzarella cheese. These recipes allow you to enjoy the taste and texture of naan bread while staying within your keto macros.

Can you freeze keto naan?

Yes, you can freeze keto naan. There are a few ways to do this, depending on whether you want to freeze the dough or the cooked naan.

To freeze the dough, form it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic, and place it in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, let it thaw completely, then shape it into naan pieces and bake as usual.

If you'd like to freeze the cooked naan, there are two options. You can either pre-bake the keto naan and then freeze it, or you can freeze the naan after it has been topped with garlic butter and baked for a few extra minutes. To freeze the pre-baked naan, simply bake it as directed, wrap it, and store it in the freezer. For the second option, bake the naan, top it with garlic butter, and then freeze it. When you're ready to enjoy your naan, simply bake the pre-baked naan or reheat the garlic butter-topped naan for a few minutes in the oven.

Frequently asked questions