Introduction
Cheese Naans are a delightful twist on the classic naan, an Indian flatbread. Stuffed with gooey cheese, these naans are soft, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with your favorite curry or enjoying on their own. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this Cheese Naan recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
1 For the Dough
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Active dry yeast: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
- Plain yogurt: 1/4 cup
- Warm water: 1/2 cup
- Olive oil or melted butter: 2 tbsp
2 For the Cheese Filling
- Grated mozzarella cheese: 1 cup
- Grated cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup
- Chopped fresh coriander (optional): 2 tbsp
3 For Cooking
- Butter or ghee: 2-3 tbsp
- Garlic (optional): 2 cloves, minced
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the yogurt and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling
- Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. If using, mix in the chopped coriander for a burst of freshness.
3. Assemble the Cheese Naans
- Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal-sized balls (about 6-8, depending on your preferred size).
- Stuff the Naans: Take one dough ball and roll it out into a small circle. Place a generous amount of the cheese filling in the center. Fold the edges over the cheese, pinching to seal the filling inside.
- Roll Out the Naans: Gently roll the stuffed dough ball into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Be careful not to let the cheese filling spill out.
4. Cook the Naans
- Heat the Pan: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Naans: Place a rolled-out naan on the hot pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip the naan and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown spots appear.
- Butter the Naans: Brush the cooked naan with melted butter or ghee. For extra flavor, mix in some minced garlic with the butter before brushing.
5. Serve
- Serve the Cheese Naans hot, straight from the pan. They’re perfect with a side of mint chutney, a spicy curry, or even just as they are!
Helpful Tips
- Dough Texture: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable. Adjust the flour or water as needed during the kneading process.
- Stuffing Tip: Be generous with the cheese filling but make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Cooking Heat: Ensure your pan is hot before placing the naan on it. This helps in achieving the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Substitutions/Variations
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like feta, gouda, or even a spicy jalapeño cheese.
- Herbs and Spices: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cumin seeds to the cheese filling for an extra kick.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use vegan cheese to make these naans vegan-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the dough has risen, cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Can I bake these naans instead of cooking them on the stove?
Yes, preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and place the rolled naans on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden, then brush with butter.
Can I freeze Cheese Naans?
Absolutely! Once cooked, let the naans cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a hot pan or oven until warmed through.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover naans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked naans as mentioned above. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick snack or meal.
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Thank you for following along with this Cheese Naans recipe! Whether you’re new to making naan or a seasoned pro, I hope you enjoyed creating these cheesy delights. They’re perfect for any meal or occasion—happy cooking!