Cheese Garlic Naan Recipe: A Gourmet Twist on the Classic Indian Flatbread

Introduction: 

Cheese Garlic Naan, a delightful fusion of traditional Indian flavors with a cheesy kick, offers a gourmet spin on the beloved naan. This recipe takes the iconic Indian flatbread to new heights by combining the indulgence of melted cheese with the aromatic allure of garlic. Follow this step-by-step guide to bring the richness of Cheese Garlic Naan to your home kitchen.

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Ingredients:

For the Naan Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

2 tablespoons ghee or melted butter

3/4 cup warm milk

For the Garlic Topping:

5-6 cloves of garlic, minced

3 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Salt (to taste)

For the Cheese Filling:1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

For Cooking:Ghee or butter (for cooking)

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast:

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

Prepare the Naan Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.

Add the activated yeast mixture, yogurt, and melted ghee (or butter) to the dry ingredients. Mix well to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Garlic Topping:

In a bowl, combine minced garlic, melted butter, chopped coriander leaves, garlic powder (if using), and salt. Mix well to create the garlic butter topping.

Divide and Shape the Naan:

After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into golf ball-sized portions.

Roll each ball into an oval or teardrop shape, about 1/4 inch thick.

Stuff with Cheese:

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over half of the rolled naan.

Fold the other half over the cheese, sealing the edges to encase the cheese within the dough.

Second Rise:

Place the stuffed naan on a baking sheet or tray, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Preheat the Oven or Tandoor:

Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C) or use a tandoor if available.

Bake or Cook:

If using an oven, place the stuffed naan on a preheated baking stone or inverted baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

If using a tandoor, cook the stuffed naan by sticking it to the hot inner wall until it puffs up and develops a golden color.

Brush with Garlic Butter:

Once cooked, brush the hot cheese-stuffed naan generously with the prepared garlic butter mixture.

Serve Warm:

Serve the Cheese Garlic Naan warm, allowing the melted cheese to ooze out with every delicious bite.

Tips:

Experiment with different cheese blends or add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for a personalized touch.

For a spicier version, add chopped green chilies or red chili flakes to the cheese filling.

Conclusion: 

Elevate your culinary experience with the exquisite combination of Cheese Garlic Naan, where the gooey richness of melted cheese meets the aromatic charm of garlic-infused butter. Perfect for a gourmet meal or a delicious snack, this recipe guarantees a delightful burst of flavors in every cheesy bite.