The Indian Cookbook Series

Rotis, Naans & Pooris

Garlic Cheese Naan

Soft, pillowy naan stuffed with melted cheese, pan-cooked in ghee, and brushed with garlic butter. An easy homemade upgrade to the classic Indian flatbread.

By Sai Balaji·PREP 15 MINUTES·COOK 15 MINUTES·SERVES 4

Watch it made

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour2 cups
  • salt1 tbsp
  • sugar1 tsp
  • melted butter3 tbsp
  • dahi (yogurt)¼ cup
  • instant yeast1 packet
  • warm water¼ cup
  • Oil, for coating the dough
  • Cheese, for filling
  • Ghee, for cooking
  • melted butter, for brushing2 tbsp
  • garlic, minced2 cloves
  • fresh coriander, chopped1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. 1Make the dough: Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 3 tbsp melted butter, and ¼ cup dahi to a bowl. Mix until combined.
  2. 2Activate the yeast: Mix 1 packet of instant yeast with ¼ cup warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Knead the dough: Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead until a soft dough forms. Add a small amount of oil and coat the dough ball.
  4. 4Rest the dough: Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for at least 2 hours, allowing it to rise.
  5. 5Shape the dough: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball.
  6. 6Roll out the naan: Roll each dough ball into a moderately thick circle.
  7. 7Add the cheese: Place cheese in the center of each circle. Fold the edges over the cheese and seal completely, forming a smooth stuffed dough ball.
  8. 8Roll again: Gently roll each stuffed ball out as thin as possible, being careful not to break the dough or expose the filling.
  9. 9Cook the naan: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook each naan with ghee until evenly browned on both sides.
  10. 10Make the garlic butter: Mix 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander.
  11. 11Finish: Brush the hot naan generously with the garlic butter mixture.
  12. 12Serve: Serve hot alongside your favorite curry or on its own.