If you're looking for a delicious new way to enjoy cottage cheese, this recipe is just for you! This Instant Cottage Cheese Uttapam is one of my favorite ways to use this high-protein ingredient. The cottage cheese is blended with lentils and spices to create a flavorful batter with a subtle tang, requiring no fermentation. These soft, golden uttapams come together quickly and are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Now that cottage cheese is having its moment, I've been looking for ways to enjoy it in dishes that feel familiar and comforting. I especially love using it in Indian recipes for the added protein, convenience, and versatility-it reheats well and works for any meal of the day. This uttapam hits all the right notes: quick, satisfying, and a delicious way to let cottage cheese shine in everyday meals.
The best part? It's super flexible! You can add a pinch of baking soda for a quick, no-ferment version, or if you have the time, let it ferment in the Instant Pot using the yogurt mode for a more traditional flavor. Just like classic South Indian uttapam, I love to top it with a simple onion-tomato combo, but you can add veggies of your choice, including diced green chilies for some heat.
I find myself coming back to this recipe again and again, especially on busy days when I need a nourishing lunch or a last-minute dinner idea. It pairs perfectly with piping hot sambar or a side of coconut chutney.
Testing Notes
- The first time I tested these Uttapams, I skipped the baking soda and found them a bit dense. While you can ferment the batter for a naturally airy texture, let's be real, most of us don't always have the time to plan ahead. I really wanted this to be a quick, no-fuss meal you can whip up on the fly. So I added a little baking soda and it worked like a charm! You can also use Eno (fruit salt) if that's what you have on hand.
- The pan will naturally get a little messy from the veggies caramelizing on top of the uttapam. Just lower the heat and give it a quick wipe with a damp paper towel between each one, as it helps keep things clean and prevents sticking for the next round.
Ingredient Notes
- Cottage Cheese: The star ingredient that adds protein and a subtle tang to the batter. It blends smoothly with the lentils to create a rich, creamy texture-no fermentation needed!
- Lentils: This recipe uses a mix of mung dal (moong dal) and urad dal, which soak faster and create a soft, creamy texture in the uttapam. They're also a great source of plant-based protein.
- Rice: A small amount of basmati rice or any short-grain white rice helps add structure and a light crispness around the edges.
- Spices: We use whole cumin seeds for a warm, earthy flavor, along with fresh ginger and green chili for a subtle kick. You can always adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Toppings: Classic toppings like finely diced red onions, tomatoes, and cilantro add to the flavor even more when caramelized. Add chopped green chilies on top if you like for an extra punch of heat.
How to Make Instant Cottage Cheese Uttapam
Serving Suggestions
These uttapams are perfect on busy days as a wholesome lunch or a quick dinner. They pair beautifully with coconut chutney or piping hot sambar. You can also make them plain and serve with your favorite curry or dal. For an extra boost of protein, I sometimes pour a whisked egg over the top while cooking.
More Indian Recipes with a Boost of Protein
★ Tried this recipe? I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and let me know, or snap a quick pic and upload it-I love seeing your creations. If you're on Instagram, tag @ministry_of_curry so I can check it out. Your feedback means so much to me and makes all the time I spend perfecting each recipe totally worth it. Thank you!
Recipe
Cottage Cheese Uttapam
Equipment
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mung dal
- ¼ cup urad dal
- ¼ cup basmati rice
- ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds optional
- 2 cups water for soaking
- ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup water for grinding the batter
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1- inch piece of ginger
- 1 green chili
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 small red onion finely diced
- 1 tomato finely diced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the mung dal, urad dal, rice, and fenugreek seeds in warm water for 30 minutes or in room-temperature water overnight.
- Drain out the soaking water completely.
- Add the soaked dal and rice to a blender along with cottage cheese, water, cumin seeds, ginger, green chili, and salt.
- Blend into a smooth batter.
- Stir in the baking soda just before cooking.
- Before making each uttapam, preheat the cast iron pan over low to medium heat for a few minutes. Sprinkle a few drops of water, if it sizzles and evaporates quickly, the pan is ready. Lower the heat, wipe the surface with a damp paper towel, then rub half an onion dipped in oil across the pan. This helps cool the surface slightly and creates a natural non-stick layer.
- Pour about ½ cup of batter for each uttapam, spreading it slightly to form a 7-inch round.
- Sprinkle chopped onion, tomato, and cilantro on top. Gently press down the topppings with a silicone spatula. Cook on low-medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes and then carefully flip the uttapam over.
- Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the veggies start to get a slight char. Take out the Uttapam from the hot pan.
- Repeat the process of making Uttapam with the remaining batter. Makes 4 uttapam.
Julia says
This was a delicious recipe. Great flavors!
Archana Mundhe says
Thank you for your lovely feedback! This recipe is on repeat in my kitchen.
B sh says
Do you think instead of adding cottage cheese I can add skyr or Greek yogurt? Would it be still high protein delicious uttapam?
Archana Mundhe says
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese. Depending on how thick your yogurt is, you might need to add a few tablespoons of water to thin out the batter.
BSh says
Do you think I can add Greek yogurt or skyr yogurt instead of cottage cheese? Would it be still high protein delicious uttapam?
Archana Mundhe says
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese. Depending on how thick your yogurt is, you might need to add a few tablespoons of water to thin out the batter.
Eshita Shah says
can you please share a similar recipe for moong dal chilla made higher protein with cottage cheese or something similar?
Archana Mundhe says
Yes! Check out my moong dal chilla recipe - https://ministryofcurry.com/moong-dal-chilla/ You can reduce the water and add cottage cheese instead to blend the soaked lentils.