Introduction
Who doesn’t love warm naan straight from the pan or oven? This Garlic Cottage Cheese Naan takes classic naan up a notch by adding creamy cottage cheese to the dough, making it softer, richer, and higher in protein. The garlic butter topping adds irresistible aroma and flavor.
This recipe is perfect for pairing with curries, soups, or even as a base for wraps and pizzas. Searches for “garlic naan” and “homemade naan bread” keep trending, making this a must-have for your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Naan Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cottage cheese (smooth, blended)
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup warm milk (adjust as needed)
For Garlic Butter Topping:
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Resting time: 1 hour
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
👉 Quicker than restaurant delivery — and much fresher.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Add yogurt, blended cottage cheese, and oil. Slowly mix in warm milk until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
Cover and let rest for 1 hour to relax the gluten and allow flavors to develop.
Step 3: Shape the Naan
Divide dough into 6–8 balls. Roll each into an oval or tear-drop shape about ¼-inch thick.
Step 4: Cook
Heat a cast iron skillet or nonstick pan on medium-high. Place naan on the pan and cook until bubbles form and brown spots appear. Flip and cook the other side.
Step 5: Garlic Butter Topping
Mix melted butter, garlic, and cilantro. Brush generously over hot naan.
Step 6: Serve
Stack naans in a clean towel to keep warm. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Blend cottage cheese: Ensures smooth dough texture.
- High heat cooking: Gives authentic charred spots.
- Cover when resting: Prevents dough from drying out.
- Add fillings: Try stuffing with cheese, paneer, or herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition (per naan, ~6 servings)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Healthier Alternatives
- Whole wheat flour: Swap 50% of the flour for atta/whole wheat flour.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based yogurt and dairy-free cottage cheese.
- Low-fat: Use low-fat cottage cheese and reduce butter topping.
- High-protein: Mix in a scoop of unflavored whey protein.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with chicken curry, butter paneer, or lentil dal.
- Use as a wrap base with grilled veggies or chicken.
- Serve with soups or stews instead of bread.
- Turn into mini pizzas with toppings of choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much milk: Dough should be soft, not sticky.
- Overcooking: Makes naan tough instead of fluffy.
- Skipping garlic butter: That’s where the flavor magic happens.
- Rolling too thin: Won’t get the nice puff and bubbles.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Wrap in foil or airtight bag for up to 3 days. Reheat in skillet.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked naan up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
- Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight and cooked the next day.
Conclusion
This Garlic Cottage Cheese Naan is soft, cheesy, and loaded with flavor — the perfect homemade upgrade to traditional naan. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain naan again!
FAQs
Q1: Can I bake instead of pan-cooking?
Yes — bake at 450°F (230°C) on a pizza stone or baking sheet until puffed and golden.
Q2: Can I make it without yogurt?
Yes — use extra cottage cheese and a splash of lemon juice for tang.
Q3: Can I stuff it?
Absolutely — cheese, paneer, or spinach make great fillings.
Q4: Do I need yeast?
No yeast needed — baking powder and soda give enough lift.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Yes — perfect for parties or family dinners.
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