Naan with variations

Copied from W4E, and amended to be vegan.

Yield: 6-8 portions

2 t yeast, active dry
3 T soy milk, heated to between 110-115°
1 T sugar
4 c all-purpose flour

1/2 c soy milk, heated to between 110-115°
1/2 c soy yogurt
1 egg replacer (use flax or ener-g for this)
1 T vegetable oil
1/2 salt

1. Mix yeast, milk and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Cover and let rest 5-10 minutes to activate yeast.
2. Add flour to yeast. Make a well in the center of the flour. Beat milk, yogurt and egg replacer together well. Add to center of flour, along with oil and salt.
3. If using a mixer, beat with dough hook about 10 minutes till smooth. To mix by hand, bring ingredients together with a fork and then knead till smooth, about 10 minutes. Form a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and rest in a warm place until doubled in size, 1-2 hours.
4. Punch dough down with your fist and knead lightly. Cut into 8-10 equal portions and roll into balls. Cover and let rise until doubled again in a warm spot.
5. Preheat oven with a baking sheet inside to 475-500°
6. Roll dough into oblong circles. Brush with water, oil, or margarine and sprinkle with a garnish. Roll the garnish into the dough.
7. Bake in batches on preheated baking sheet for about 5 minutes till golden brown.

VARIATIONS

* Possible garnishes: mustard seeds, cumin seeds, kalonji (onion seeds), fennel seeds, coarse salt, chopped cilantro, sauteed garlic.
* To Make Stuffed Naan: Roll the dough balls into a circle, place 1 Tbsp of your stuffing of choice in the middle. Fold the dough in half and roll out into an oblong shape. Proceed with the recipe.
* Onion Kulcha: Saute some minced onion with cumin seed, garam masala and chopped cilantro. Stuff the naan, roll out and garnish with some more chopped cilantro.
* Other possible stuffings: chopped mint, minced jalapenos, shredded coconut.
* Naan is often made without yeast, using baking powder instead. This is faster and easier too. Simply eliminate the yeast and the initial proofing. Sift 2 tsp of baking powder into the dry ingredients. Beat the wet ingredients together. Mix wet and dry to form a dough. Proceed with the recipe, eliminating the second rising after portioning the dough.