Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan (Printer-Friendly)
Soft Indian flatbread stuffed with creamy cottage cheese and garlic, perfect alongside flavorful dishes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
05 - ½ cup warm milk
06 - ¼ cup plain yogurt
07 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
08 - ¼ cup warm water (as needed)
→ Filling
09 - 1 cup cottage cheese, crumbled
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
11 - 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
12 - ¼ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Garlic Butter Topping
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix thoroughly to distribute yeast evenly.
02 - Add warm milk, yogurt, and oil to the dry mixture. Stir to form a soft dough, gradually incorporating warm water as needed to achieve proper consistency.
03 - Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Combine cottage cheese, cilantro, green chili, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside until ready to use.
05 - Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal balls. Cover to prevent drying while working.
06 - Roll each ball into a 4-inch disc. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center, pinch edges tightly to seal, and gently flatten.
07 - Roll each stuffed ball into a 6–7 inch oval or round, applying gentle pressure to avoid filling spillage.
08 - Heat a cast iron skillet or tawa over medium-high heat until properly heated.
09 - In a small bowl, combine melted butter with minced garlic and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly.
10 - Place a naan on the hot skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbles appear across the surface.
11 - Flip the naan and brush the cooked side generously with garlic butter. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown spots develop.
12 - Repeat with remaining naans, stacking them in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. Serve hot, brushing with additional garlic butter if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cottage cheese filling stays molten hot and creates this incredible creamy contrast against the pillowy bread
- These naans freeze beautifully and can be reheated in minutes for emergency comfort food
02 -
- The dough needs to be soft and slightly tacky but not sticking to your hands, or it becomes impossible to roll
- Sealing the filled dough tightly is crucial or the cheese will escape during cooking and burn in the pan
03 -
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for the most even heat distribution and those signature dark spots
- Brush the garlic butter generously on both sides for maximum flavor penetration