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Cauliflower takes center stage in this flavorful cauliflower flatbread (naan) recipe. This vegan and lower-calorie twist on traditional naan is the perfect choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to flatbreads made with just flour. The flavor of cauliflower is completely unnoticeable since cauliflower has such a neutral flavor. Also, it's incredibly easy to prepare! With the help of a food processor, all the ingredients come together effortlessly, resulting in a delectable flatbread that's lighter on calories but not on taste.
Here's why I love this recipe
- so easy to make! All the prep work is done in the food processor. No kneading is required
- vegan - no eggs, milk or butter
- healthier and has more fiber than traditional flatbread
- easy way to eat more cauliflower
- can be made ahead of time
Ingredients Used to Make Easy Cauliflower Flatbread (Naan)
**I've linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the baking aisle, or the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂
- Bread Flour - I used bread flour for this recipe (I use King Arthur Bread Flour most), which I prefer and highly recommend for the best texture and structure. Please read the note on the substitution section below if using other flours.
- Instant Yeast - you can find instant yeast in the baking section near the flours. My favorite is SAF Instant Premium Yeast, which works quickly and consistently produces great results. I recommend using instant yeast over active yeast for this recipe since active yeast (unlike instant yeast) needs to be activated in water, which we don't add until the very end.
- Sugar - I used raw cane sugar, but you can use regular granulated white sugar, or healthier alternatives like coconut, date, or maple sugars which are less processed and more natural.
- Salt - Pink Himalayan salt is what I have at home, so it’s what I use, but you can use any kind for this recipe.
- Cauliflower - this veggie takes center stage in this flavorful cauliflower flatbread recipe. Not only does cauliflower add valuable nutrition to your meal, but it also helps to keep the calorie count in check. For convenience, I've used frozen cauliflower that has been warmed 60 seconds in the microwave, but fresh cauliflower should work just as well.
- Olive Oil - I like using light olive oil since it has a neutral flavor, but you can also any cooking oil of your choice like coconut oil, or avocado oil instead
Equipment
- You'll need a large-capacity food processor for this recipe. According to Kitchen Aid, food processors should be around 6-9 cup capacity for handling doughs of this size. For reference, I used a in the photos.
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Step by Step Guide
How to Make Easy Cauliflower Flatbread (Naan)
STEP 1
In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients: bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt. Add the cauliflower.
STEP 2
Pulse the food processor a few times until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the water and oil
STEP 3
Process for additional 15-20 seconds until the mixture comes together. The dough surface will be shaggy and rough.
NOTE: If the dough won’t come together after 20 seconds, add water ONE TABLESPOON at a time until the dough comes together. The dough should feel a little dense, but keep in mind that the added veggies also contribute a lot of moisture when cooked.
STEP 4
Once done, scrape the dough into a clean bowl. Cover the dough loosely and let rise 1 hour until puffy. Cover and place in the fridge overnight up to 48 hours, or follow directions on the recipe card for a quicker rise time.
STEP 5
Gently scrape the risen dough from the bowl using a silicone scraper or spatula. Divide into 4 pieces
STEP 6
Use your hands to gently stretch out the dough. (this shaping process is enough to deflate the dough). Use your hands to stretch out each of the divided dough into rounds.
STEP 7
For the best texture, let the flatbreads rise for another 15-20 minutes more before cooking.
STEP 9
One at a time, cook the flatbreads in the skillet at low-medium heat (I used setting 4 with the 10 being the highest heat setting).
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, and use a lid to minimize oil splatters and also speed up the cooking process.
STEP 10
Repeat with the rest of the flatbread dough. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations and Optional Add Ins:
I made this flatbread recipe as basic and neutral flavored as possible so that people can customize it to fit their own tastes. Here are some awesome ways you can make this bread your own 🙂
- Add more flavor! A few tablespoons of chopped herbs or a teaspoon or two of nutritional yeast (or parmesan cheese) would go really well with this flatbread and add more flavor.
- Add more texture! Adding chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits or oats is a fantastic way to increase the nutrition and flavor in flatbreads.
What are some ways you can eat and serve Easy Cauliflower Flatbread (Naan)?
- Plain and warm, right out of the skillet with some dipping oil
- Used as a wrap, with your favorite veggies and dressing
- If you have stale flatbread or leftover flatbread, you can turn it into flatbread pizza. To make: top each flatbread with tomato sauce, cheese or other toppings of choice. Bake the flatbreads in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes, or until the flatbreads are crispy and the cheese has fully melted.
More Ideas for Naan Pizza
If you've ever wondered what to eat with naan bread, here are 10+ easy naan pizza ideas with recipes that will have you enjoying this flatbread in a whole new way!
Note on Substitutions
- Unfortunately, gluten-free flours cannot be substituted for bread flour in this recipe.
- While bread flour is highly recommended, all-purpose flour can be used instead with 1 tsp of vital wheat gluten for every cup of flour.
How to Store Easy Cauliflower Flatbread (Naan)
- You can store these flatbreads, well wrapped, at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can place them in a plastic freezer bag or airtight container and freeze up to 3 months, then defrost them at room temperature or microwave before eating.
Easy Cauliflower Flatbread (Naan) Recipe - Vegan & Low Calorie
All Purpose Veggies
here's an easy vegan-friendly flatbread (or naan) recipe that's made in the food processor. The dough is then put in the fridge to let the yeast rise overnight.
4.80 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Resting Time 8 hours hrs
Course lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Indian
Servings 4 flatbreads
Calories 290 kcal
Equipment
1 food processor , should have at least 6 cup capacity to handle dough (read notes*)
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread flour (240g)
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (172g) , completely thawed from frozen
- 2 Tbsp warm water , more if needed
- 1 Tbsp light olive oil
Instructions
Combine the Dough Ingredients
In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients: bread flour, yeast, sugar, salt.
Add the cauliflower. I used frozen cauliflower that I completely thawed before using.
Pulse the food processor a few times until the mixture resembles wet, coarse sand
Add the water and oil and process for 15-20 seconds until the mixture comes together. The dough surface will be shaggy and rough.
NOTE: If dough won’t come together after 20 seconds, add water ONE TABLESPOON at a time until the dough comes together. The dough should feel a little dense, but keep in mind that cauliflower will also contribute a lot of moisture when cooked.
Once done, scrape the dough into a clean bowl.
Cover the dough loosely and let rise for 1 hour at room temperature until puffy.
After the First Rise (Choose ONE method below)
For overnight method: without deflating the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap loosely so that air can escape. Transfer the bowl to the fridge and chill overnight, at least for 8 hours and up to 48 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping.
For the quick method: deflate the dough completely and let the dough rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours until the size doubles.
Shaping the Dough
Gently scrape the risen dough from the bowl using a silicone scraper or spatula. DON’T PUNCH DOWN THE DOUGH. Divide into 4 pieces and use your hands to gently stretch out the dough. (this shaping process is enough to deflate the dough).
Use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch out each of the divided dough into rounds.
For the best texture, let the flatbreads rise for another 15-20 minutes more before cooking.
Cook the Flatbreads
Preheat a skillet with 1 Tbsp of olive oil or coconut oil
One at a time, cook the flatbreads in the skillet at low-medium heat (I used setting 4 with the 10 being the highest heat setting).
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, and use a lid to minimize oil splatters and also speed up the cooking process.
Once the flatbreads are cooked in the center, and golden brown, remove from the skillet.
Repeat with the rest of the flatbread dough. Enjoy!
The flatbreads can be stored wrapped, at room temperature, for 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can place them in a plastic freezer bag or airtight container and freeze up to 3 months, then defrost them at room temperature or microwave before eating.
Video
Notes
*according to Kitchen Aid, food processors should be around 6-9 cup capacity for handling doughs of this size. For reference, I used a 16 cup food processor (Breville Sous Chef) in my photos.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 10gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 599mgPotassium: 241mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mgZinc: 1mg***Net Carbs: 49g
Keyword cauliflower, flatbread, naan
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Flatbread Pizza Topping Ideas
- Here are 10+ vegan-friendly flatbread toppings and easy flatbread pizza ideas that are sure to give you plenty of options the next time you're craving flatbread pizza.
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