Cheese And Naan: The Perfect Pairing

Naan bread is a delicious Indian flatbread that can be stuffed with cheese to make a tasty snack or side dish. The type of cheese you choose for your naan bread will depend on your personal preference, but some popular options include mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby. You can also get creative and use other types of melting cheese or even grated paneer.

To make cheese naan bread, you will need to mix dry ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, and sugar, and then add wet ingredients such as milk, yogurt, oil, and eggs. The dough is then kneaded and allowed to rest before being stuffed with cheese and cooked on a skillet or in an oven. The resulting cheesy naan bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for dipping into curries or enjoying as a snack.

Mozzarella and garlic powder

Ingredients:

• Dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Warm milk
• Bread flour
• Plain yogurt
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Chopped chives
• Chopped coriander
• Shredded mozzarella
• Garlic powder

Method:

• Add sugar to warm milk and stir. Sprinkle dry yeast on top and stir. Set aside for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• In a standing mixer bowl, add flour, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and the yeast mixture. Mix well and knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
• Form the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Coat the dough with oil to prevent a crust from forming.
• Cover the bowl tightly and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size.
• Lightly knead the risen dough into a log and cut it into four equal pieces. Form each piece into a ball.
• Take a ball and roll it into a round disk. Put chopped chives in the center, followed by shredded mozzarella and garlic powder.
• Wrap the filling with the edges of the dough and pinch the seams together. Lightly wet the top surface and dip it in a plate of chopped coriander leaves.
• Place the ball, seam side down, on a floured surface and roll it into an oval shape. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
• Heat an iron cast skillet on medium-high heat until it starts smoking. Place the rolled dough, coriander side down, onto the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side.
• Transfer the cooked naan to a plate and paint it with oil or melted butter. Keep it covered to maintain warmth while cooking the rest.

Enjoy your freshly made, warm, and delicious cheese naan!

Cheddar and coriander

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 5 1/2 fl oz warm water
• 4 tablespoons melted butter, unsalted
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Handful of coriander, finely chopped
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Method:

• In a jug, pour in the warm water, yeast and sugar. Give it a good stir, then leave it for a couple of minutes.
• In a large bowl, sieve in the flour and salt and make a well in the middle. Pour in the yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of butter and stir with a wooden spoon.
• Once the dough has combined, place it on a lightly floured surface and knead for around 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and slightly elastic. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour and keep kneading.
• Place the dough in a warm place, covered with a kitchen towel, and leave to rise for an hour.
• About 10 minutes before the dough is ready, preheat the broiler to a high heat.
• In a small saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and coriander, frying for around 2 minutes. Then, take the saucepan off the heat.
• Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface and cut into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a circle of approximately 1 inch thick.
• Place a small handful of shredded cheddar in the centre of each piece. Fold the edges over the cheese and pinch to seal. Gently roll or press to flatten, ensuring the cheese is enclosed. Let rest for 10 minutes.
• Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Test the heat by sprinkling water; it should sizzle and evaporate immediately.
• Place the naan in the skillet, cover and cook until bubbles appear (30-60 seconds). Brush the naan with the garlic butter mixture.
• Flip and cook until it starts to char (about 30 seconds more).
• Transfer the cooked naan to a plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining dough.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Yeast, yoghurt and flour

Naan bread is a leavened, oven-baked or tawa-fried flatbread, that can also be baked in a tandoor. It is made with white or wheat flour and a leavening agent, typically yeast, which causes the dough to develop air pockets that give naan its characteristic fluffy and soft texture. Other ingredients include warm water, salt, ghee, and yoghurt, with optional additions like milk, egg, or honey.

Flour is the main ingredient in naan bread and is responsible for its structure and texture. All-purpose flour is typically used, but whole wheat flour can also be used for a heartier, more nutritious bread. The type of flour can affect the amount of water needed, so adjustments may be necessary when making substitutions.

Yoghurt is another important ingredient in naan bread, adding moisture and a slight tang to the dough. Plain yoghurt is typically used, but Greek yoghurt can be used for a thicker, creamier texture. It also provides protein, calcium, and probiotics, making naan more nutritious. Additionally, yoghurt can be used in place of yeast as a leavening agent, creating a denser bread.

Yeast is what gives naan its light and airy texture. Active dry yeast or instant dry yeast can be used, and it must be fresh to ensure proper leavening. The yeast is activated by warm water, which should be around 110°F (43°C) to 130°F (54°C) to avoid killing the yeast or slowing its activation.

Ghee or butter

Ghee is clarified butter, a type of butter commonly used in Indian cooking. It is made by removing milk solids and water from butter, leaving behind pure butter fat. Ghee has a more intense flavour than regular butter, and it also has the added bonus of not burning at high heat.

Ghee is a great option for naan bread as it brings a rich, buttery taste to the dish. It is also a traditional ingredient in Indian cuisine, so it is a good choice for those who want an authentic flavour.

However, regular butter can also be used to make naan bread. Butter will add richness to the naan, and it is a good alternative if you do not have ghee on hand or do not want to make it yourself.

Some recipes suggest using a combination of ghee and butter for the best of both worlds. For example, you could brush the naan with melted butter and then add a sprinkle of ghee for extra flavour.

In addition to ghee or butter, other ingredients that can be added to naan bread include garlic, coriander, nigella seeds, and various types of cheese.

Spices and herbs

Cilantro/Coriander

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a fresh, bright flavour that pairs well with the naan bread. You can chop it finely and mix it into the dough or sprinkle it on top of the naan before serving.

Za'atar

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that includes sumac, sesame seeds, and black pepper. It adds a unique flavour to the naan and a little goes a long way. Sprinkle a pinch of za'atar on each naan before serving, and adjust the amount to your taste.

Nigella Seeds

Nigella seeds, also known as kalonji, have a hard, crunchy texture and a light earthy flavour with notes of oregano, onion, and black pepper. They are commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines and are a traditional addition to naan bread. Adding nigella seeds to the dough will impart a subtle flavour and a pleasant texture.

Garlic

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of naan bread. You can incorporate it in a variety of ways, such as mixing garlic powder into the dough or brushing the cooked naan with garlic butter. The aroma and taste of garlic will make your naan bread more appetising.

Green Chillies or Red Pepper Flakes

If you like your naan bread with a kick, consider adding finely chopped green chillies or red pepper flakes to the dough. This will give your naan a spicy touch that pairs well with the cheese and other ingredients. Adjust the amount of chillies or pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.

In addition to these suggestions, feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs that appeal to your taste. You can try mixing in some dried or fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, or adding a pinch of cumin or paprika to the dough. Get creative and explore different combinations to find your favourite flavour profiles for naan bread.

Frequently asked questions