Indian food is my favorite to eat in the fall time. Warming, savory stews with aromatic spices? What could be better as the weather starts to get colder. One of my favorite parts of Indian food has always been the naan bread. It’s chewy and soft and pairs so well with dhal! Try my sourdough flatbread variation on this delicious bread.

These flatbreads are a simple recipe that can be used in a variety of dishes. I have used these flatbreads when making chicken shawarma, gomen wat, and a variety of Indian foods. They’re so simple to make and are always absolutely delicious.

Sourdough Flatbread Recipe

• 1/2 cup of sourdough starter
• 1 cup water
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp oil

Mix the wet ingredients together before adding the dry. Mix well and allow to sit until doubled in size. This process took 6 hours with the dough in a 95 degree oven.

The Cooking Process – sourdough flatbread

Coating your hands in flour is helpful in shaping the flatbreads if they’re a bit sticky.

1. Separate the flatbreads in 8-10 equally sized pieces.
2. Heat a pan on the stove.
3. Shape each dough ball into a thin flatbread (like a pizza crust). I find it easier to do this process as I go, making one flatbread shape at a time before cooking it.
4. Place one flatbread on the hot pan (I typically don’t use oil for this, like when making tortillas).
5. cook until browned on one size before flipping.
6. repeat until all flatbreads are cooked and enjoy!

Red Lentil Dhal Recipe

This recipe is one of my favorites. It’s always so delicious and easy to make. This recipe is inspired by Bianca Zapatka.

adjust the amount of spices to your preference, I typically add a bit more as I like a well spiced dish

Ingredients

1 cup split red lentils (soaked for at least 8 hours)

1 quart chicken or vegetable broth

2 onions, chopped finely

1/2 lime, juiced

6 cloves of garlic

2 inches fresh ginger, grated

1 large can of crushed tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

1/4 cup of cream

1 tbsp curry power

1 tbsp salt

2 tsp pepper

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp turmeric

1 tsp coriander

1 tsp cumin

optional cilantro

optional meat to add on top (we used steak)

optional caramelized onion to add on top

optional greek yogurt or sour cream

The Process

1. In a large pot, add a bit of butter or oil of choice, the garlic and ginger. cook until aromatic, about 1 minute
2. add lentils, tomatoes (crushed and paste) and broth
3. mix well and bring to a simmer before adding all of the spices and cream.
4. cook covered for 1.5 hours, until the lentils are soft.
5. While cooking, cook some rice as the base to this meal.
6. When complete, serve with rice and flatbread and any optional toppings including meat, cilantro, caramelized onions, or yogurt.

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