So, while the global financial system teeters on the verge of collapse, the race for the White House turns nasty and the war for God knows what continues in Afghanistan, I'm making naan bread.
Here's the recipe I'm using:
Ingredients
10oz plain flour
1 heaped tsp caraway seeds
1/4 pint hand-hot milk
1 tsp dried active yeast
1 tsp caster sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp plain yogurt, beaten
1 egg, lightly beaten
Method
Combine milk, yeast and half the sugar in a bowl, whisk and let stand for 20 minutes until a froth develops on the top. Mix in the egg, yogurt and oil.
Sift flour into a large mixing bowl, add salt, baking powder, the remaining sugar and the caraway seeds. Stir in the milk mixture to make a firm dough (if it's too soft and sticky add some more flour) and knead until smooth. Put the dough in an oiled plastic bag and leave in a warm place for an hour to allow it to rise.
Punch out the dough, knead it again and divide it into three pieces. Roll out each piece into a teardrop shape (about 10" by 5").
Preheat oven and heavy baking tray to 275C, place naan on tray and bake for 3 to 4 minutes (until it puffs up) remove from oven, brush top with a little water to dampen slightly then place under a hot grill for 30 seconds.
