Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan (Printable)
Pillowy Indian flatbread with garlic-infused butter and creamy cheese filling, perfect for any meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
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
# Directions:
01 - Combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute yeast evenly.
02 - Add warm milk, yogurt, and oil to the dry mixture. Mix to form a soft dough, gradually incorporating warm water as needed to achieve proper consistency.
03 - Knead dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Mix crumbled cottage cheese, cilantro, green chili, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.
05 - Punch down risen dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
06 - Roll each ball into a 4-inch disc. Place 2 tablespoons filling in center, pinch edges tightly to seal, and gently flatten.
07 - Roll each stuffed ball into a 6–7 inch oval or round, working carefully to prevent filling from spilling out.
08 - Heat cast iron skillet or tawa over medium-high heat until thoroughly hot.
09 - Combine melted butter with minced garlic and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Mix well.
10 - Place naan on hot skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbles form and bottom develops golden spots.
11 - Flip naan and brush cooked side with garlic butter. Cook another 1–2 minutes until second side is golden. Remove and keep warm in towel.
12 - Repeat cooking process with remaining stuffed dough balls, stacking finished naans in towel to maintain warmth.
13 - Serve hot, brushing with additional garlic butter if desired. Pair with curry, dal, or raita.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cottage cheese filling stays creamy without being greasy, creating pockets of mild flavor that balance perfectly with the garlic butter
- These freeze beautifully and reheat in seconds, making them perfect for impromptu curry nights
02 -
- A properly heated skillet is nonnegotiable, test it by flicking water onto the surface, it should dance and sizzle immediately
- Letting the dough rest for 10 minutes after the first rise makes rolling significantly easier and prevents shrinking
03 -
- If your dough keeps springing back while rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again
- Brush the second side with garlic butter immediately after removing from the pan for maximum flavor absorption