Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan Recipe
Introduction
Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan is a soft, flavorful Indian flatbread infused with the creamy texture of cottage cheese and the aromatic punch of garlic. Perfect as a side for curries or enjoyed on its own, this naan adds a delightful twist to a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (crumbled)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and sprinkle yeast over it. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and minced garlic. Add the yeast mixture, yogurt, oil, and crumbled cottage cheese.
- Step 3: Knead the mixture into a soft dough, adding more water if needed. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into an oval or round shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 5: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each naan until bubbles form and the underside is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until puffed and cooked through.
- Step 6: Brush with melted butter or ghee and serve warm with your favorite dishes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped fresh cilantro to the dough.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for regular yogurt for a richer texture.
- If you like it spicy, mix a pinch of red chili flakes into the dough along with garlic.
Storage
Store leftover naan in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on a skillet or in a warm oven to restore softness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought yeast for this recipe?
Yes, active dry yeast is ideal for this recipe and can be found in most grocery stores. Make sure it’s fresh and proof it properly in warm water before mixing it into the dough.
Is cottage cheese necessary in this naan recipe?
Cottage cheese adds moisture and a subtle creaminess, but if unavailable, you can substitute with ricotta or skip it altogether. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
PrintCottage Cheese Garlic Naan Recipe
Delicious and soft Cottage Cheese Garlic Naan made with fresh cottage cheese and garlic, cooked on a skillet to achieve a perfect puffed texture and flavorful Indian flatbread experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 naans 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (paneer), crumbled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast (optional for softness)
Flavoring
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp melted butter or ghee for brushing
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. If using yeast, dissolve it in warm water and let it activate for 5-10 minutes. Add crumbled cottage cheese and gradually mix in the warm water (with yeast if used) to form a soft dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours to rise.
- Divide and Roll Out: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it with a rolling pin into an oval or round shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Add Garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over each rolled naan. Gently press the garlic into the dough using your fingers or a rolling pin to ensure it sticks and infuses flavor.
- Cook on Skillet: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place one naan on the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to form and the bottom turns golden brown. Flip the naan and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until puffed and fully cooked. You may press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Brush with Butter and Serve: Remove the naan from the skillet and immediately brush with melted butter or ghee. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm as a perfect accompaniment to curries or for enjoying on its own.
Notes
- For extra softness, you can add a teaspoon of yogurt to the dough.
- If you prefer a slightly tangy flavor, allow the dough to ferment overnight in the refrigerator.
- Do not overcook the naan to keep it soft and fluffy.
- You can use store-bought paneer if fresh cottage cheese is unavailable.
- This naan is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or oven for a few minutes.
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Naan, Garlic Naan, Indian Flatbread, Skillet Naan, Paneer Naan
