A first mention a naan bread and lentil pizza sounds almost a step too far along the fusion cuisine path, but this little number works very well. It is positively Fuss Free too, as you can prep the paneer and lentils in advance and stash in the freezer along with the naan bread. Whip them out of the freezer, defrost the lentils in the microwave and supper will be in the oven within a few minutes. As I said, perfectly Fuss Free, as well as delicious, and protein packed from the lentils.
Warburtons have recently added two naan breads to their range, which they have developed alongside Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar. I appreciate that many people are highly skeptical of chefs working alongside brands to develop products, but I honestly believe that the majority of top chefs are not going to risk their reputation for a financial reward. These naan breads are very good. Pillowly soft, bubbly and delicious; they have a shelf life of a week and freeze well. I do make naan bread, but they are tricky to get perfect in a domestic oven so it makes sense to buy them.
At the launch of the product Atul told the assembled company that he had served the breads in his restaurant once when their gas was off and they could not cook their naan from scratch. That is pretty conclusive product endorsement in my opinion.
Because the breads are square, they are more versatile than the traditional tear drop shaped bread, and thus are great for rolling or wrapping. I topped mine with dal and homemade paneer, baked and served with mango chutney and tzatziki for a delicious lunch. Do not skip the wedge of lime, the squeeze of juice makes the dish; again, lime wedges can be frozen and will defrost whilst the naan pizza is cooking.
If you do not want to make your own paneer any soft mildly flavoured cheese would work well in its place.
Naan Bread Lentil Dal Pizza
- 1 Large Naan bread - or plain pizza base
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 small dried chilli
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Seeds from 2 cardamom pods
- 1 tbs vegetable oil
- 70 oz (200g/1 cup) red lentils
- vegetable stock
- Few sprigs of fresh coriander mine was in the freezer
- Tomato - optional
- Spring onion - finely sliced
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 1 pint (550ml) milk
- Juice half a lemon
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Place all the spices into a grinder and grind to a fine powder. Heat the oil over a medium heat and fry the spices for a minute. Add the lentils and stir well. Add about 1 pint of vegetable stock and all to simmer until the lentils are soft and have broken down into a thick paste.
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Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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Mix the milk and lemon in a saucepan and heat to a simmer. The milk will curdle. Strain through a muslin cloth, gather the curds into a ball inside the cloth and squeeze well. Wrap in a clean tea towel and press underr a chopping board with a few tins of beans on.
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Place the naan on to a pizza stone or baking tray and spread the dal across. If you wish top with a thinly sliced tomato and the spring onion. Crumble the paneer over the lentils.
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Bake in a pre heated oven GM6 / 200C / 400F until piping hot. Serve with mango chutney and a wedge of lime.
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Many thanks to Warburtons for asking me to the launch of their naan breads and for the samples.
Nic
I always try to make my own naan breads, I pop them under a hot grill and it works a treat. I’ll have to try these though, good for a quick meal.
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
Really like this idea. I wonder if Warbutons will start doing a decent gluten free naan?
MyHomeMantra
Wow! You literally converted classic Indian ingredients into my classic Italian favorite! I am definitely gonna make this!
You can also sprinkle some chaat masala on top, I am sure it will taste good :)
Elizabeth
This is just my sort of pizza! Love the flavour combination here :)