Tuesday, June 5, 2012

TWD & BWJ: Oasis Naan

After taking a pass on the Sticky Buns, I am really happy to be back with this recipe, Oasis Naan. Our hosts are Maggie and Phyl.  When you bake this flat bread, you will be able to find the recipe on their blogs.  Of course, you can get it from Baking With Julia by Dorie Greenspan, a worthy addition to any cookbook library.
I always marvel at the miracle of bread. I love the way the yeast is alive and the dough grows right in front of you. I do not know who baked the first loaf of yeast bread, but all I can say is "Bless you." It is one of life's great joys and making it is as much fun as eating it. This is one great recipe to add to your repetroire. It is made with four ingredients that are easily found.  The simple techniques require not much more than a bowl and a spoon. I guess a measuring cup helps, but still.... And the results are not only delicious, but you can customize with different spices and toppings.
The first time I made the naan, I followed the recipe. Because my younger doesn't like cumin, I made a few with just kosher salt sprinkled on top. Everyone liked the bread a lot. I also made a veggie curry to go with the bread, which to be frank didn't go over well with the kids.

 I couldn't help but think of what a great pizza dough it would make. So I made it again and topped it with pesto, tomato paste, mozarella and parmesan. Yum. It was a better success with the family. 

 My bread did puff up a lot. I see from the P&Q section that other bloggers had the same issue. To make it the perfect pizza dough, I would have liked it a bit thinner, so I'm open to any suggestions.  That said, this is a keeper.

18 comments:

  1. The naan looks great, but loving italian food so much I really dig your pizza!

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  2. From your pictures, your naan poofed less than mine did so you must be on the right track, whatever it is you did!! It does sound like good pizza dough.... I made some into parmesan bread for spaghetti too! Gotta adapt for Italian food!!

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  3. Mine also puffed a little but it still was delicious :) glad you re-joined us for this recipe!!!

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  4. I’m sure this dough made a great pizza! Such a great basic dough! Your naan look perfect!

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  5. This is how new recipes are created :) Naan pizza, yum! I think that you have to prick the dough throughout the whole surface with the exception of the 1 inch boarder if you do not want it to puff up.

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    1. Thanks for the tip. I will try that next time.

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  6. Ooh! I wondered what it would be like as a pizza. It looks really good. Nice job!

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  7. Both your versions of the naan look delicious - it is fun to seen so many different variations on a basic theme.

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  8. Hi Judy, thank you for having visited me.
    Yes, this recipe is definitely a winner and pizza with this dough, is absolutely delicious. I love "poofed" pizza dough! and your pizza looks really yummy!

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  9. Others have talked about using the naan as a pizza, but I am glad to see someone finally did it! Both your naan and pizza look wonderful. We used sesame seeds as a topping and loved it!

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  10. I love that you made a pizza out of it -- I agree, the dough is perfect for it! Both your naan and pizza look delicious!

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  11. I know that my one year old loves to eat anything we are eating but I usually have to bring the heat down out of a curry before she will eat it... and then it requires a bath afterwards! A little spring of sugar or grated apple and a touch of white vinegar does a world of good for spicy foods for her and then she LOVES the dish without burning off her delicate tastebuds! :)

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  12. I am drooling over the pizza. Wish I had thought of that. Great job!

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  13. Very lovely.
    As someone commented above, docking the dough in the center helps with the "puff" factor.
    Now, I am craving pizza

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  14. I love how you created a pizza of it too - yum :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  15. Hi,

    I think that your naan looks delicious and your pizza is so yummy. I chilled my dough in the fridge before rolling it out and then I rolled it into naan before it got too warm. I think the dough was easier to work with chilled, and I was able to get the center really thin.

    Michele

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    1. Good idea, Michele. Next time I'll try that. If I understand correctly, you let the dough rise at room temp and then let it chill. Do you punch down the dough before chilling it? Thanks for the info.

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  16. A good recipe for home made naan is a must in any kitchen. I really like how you've flavoured your bread, cumin is one of my favourite spices.

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