Errant Chef: Flatbread Pizza

Last week I wanted to make something different for dinner. While my wife and I were at Wegman's in Amherst, I wandered into the Asian Foods aisle and instantly knew what I wanted to make: Chicken Tikka Masala and Naan.

Made it all later that week and it was great. Had some leftover Naan I kept to toast and have for snacks later. These were fun to make and gave me an idea. Why not make little pizzas out of these?

I tried this out on Wednesday night and they were very good.

What you will need:
2 1/2 cups of white flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c warm water (110F)
1/2 package of active dry yeast
1/2 tbsp sugar

Small bowl or cup
Mixing bowl
Wood spoon
Electric mixer
Plastic wrap
Towel
Large frying pan
Non-stick spray

Place 1/2 cup warm water in a small bowl or cup. Mix in sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The yeast will turn frothy and puffy.

Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the mixing bowl and add 1/2 cup of the flour, the oil and salt. Use the eletric mixer to combine the ingredients and add as much flour as you can without over-working the mixer. Add as much of remaining flour as you can and mix using a wooden spoon (or your hands). Once thoroughly combined, continue to knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is firm. It will have a "flaky" texture.

Lightly oil a large bowl and plce the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and towel and keep in a warm place for 60 - 90 minutes. During this time the dough rise and double in apparent size.

Divide the risen dough into 8 portions. Take each, roll into a ball and flatten into a circle using a rolling pin. Note: the dough is elastic and tough, so some pressure may be needed.

Pre-heat your frying pan or skillet on a high temperature. Spray each side of the rolled-out dough lightly with non-stick spray or blush with butter/margarine. Fry for about 30 seconds on each side.

Now you have pitas! You can stop here or continue to transform them into pizza.

When I flipped the pita over the first time, I topped the cooked side with sauce, mozzarella and diced pepperoni. Once the other side was cooked as well, I popped the pizza in the toaster oven on broil until the cheese just started to brown (about 2-3 mins).