Naan Bread

Bread always seems like one of those foods only to be tackled by those who know what they’re doing - ‘leave it to the professionals’ - you probably think. No matter how many times you've baked a cake, made cookies or cupcakes, there’s something daunting about using yeast. What if it goes wrong?!

Really, it’s just as likely to go wrong as a cake, and in turn, just as likely to go right.

Flatbreads are a lot easier than loaf-style breads as there is little work in the way of kneading and shaping. Proving means it takes that little bit extra longer than making a cake, but if you plan ahead you’ll have fresh naan quicker than you can walk to the shop and buy a packet. And nothing makes you feel more like a genius than when your own bread looks like REAL bread, (except maybe getting a 1^st in your degree, but never mind that when you can make naan).

Ingredients:

Makes 6-8

½ packet dry active yeast

1 tsp sugar

110ml room-temperature water

Around 400g wholemeal or white bread flour (I used wholemeal)

½ tsp salt

50ml oil (vegetable, olive, any)

75ml natural/greek yoghurt

1 egg

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix the yeast, sugar and water. If the water is cold from the tap, warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to help to activate the yeast. Let sit for a few minutes until the mix seems bubbly and slightly frothy. Then stir in the oil, yoghurt and egg. Add the salt, and work in the flour about a third at a time until well combined. Keep adding flour until the mix becomes doughy and you are unable to stir it. At this point, turn out the dough onto a floured worktop and begin kneading for around 3 minutes until the dough is smooth and soft but not sticky. Use your own discretion with the amount of flour, you may not need it all or you may need a little more. Cover the dough with a tea towel and leave in a warm or room temperature place (DON’T leave it in the oven on low – I did this and ended up with half cooked dough which went in the bin).

 Leave for around an hour or until doubled in size, then flatten the dough and cut into 6/8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball then flatten out to circle-resembling shapes. Heat a non-stick frying pan with a small amount of butter or cooking spray and fry each piece at a time, heating the bottom til bubbles have formed and the underside is brown, then flipping. Each naan should take about 4 minutes but it’s very easy to see done-ness by eye. Serve with curry, eat plain with butter or use as a wrap with salad and various fillings.

Bonuses:

-          Way healthier than shop-bought naan due to lack of preservatives

-          Amazingly cheap, no fresh ingredients required

-          Leftovers can be frozen and reheated in the microwave

-          Your friends will think you should go on masterchef

Next stop: paratha or peshwari naan. Anyone got a good recipe?

Review: Electrik Food

Meeting my Dad for lunch in Manchester, I happily seized the offer of taking the car to try somewhere a little different. We ventured to Chorlton, a small town just outside of Manchester between Fallowfield and Didsbury. Note for Fallowfield dwellers: it's very easy to get to with the 168 or 169 bus, especially great if you have a bus pass!

When it comes to restaurants, I am very guilty of judging a book by its cover, but I think a lot of the time the judgement bodes true. I see clean lettering, rich wooden surfaces and bold colours and assume a menu that consists of food quirks and on trend dishes. In this case, I was right, and even taken beyond my expectations.

Observe the wood

Drawn in by the striking black & orange sign and little outdoor front seating area, we were enticed further by the layout as we entered to bright pink walls and soft blue seating. The bar is well lit and adorned with homemade cakes, colourful teas and a wide selection of spirits. Some were sat on high chairs with pints of craft ale, showing Electrik's versatility as a place for drinking, dining, snacking or coffee-and-cake-ing.

As if we weren't already, the bonus of 50% off all food in October had us sold, and we made our way to a booth-style table. Impressed by the menu's variety yet simplicity, we chose Patatas Bravas (one of my favourite tapas dishes, when done properly) and the Teriyaki Salmon. Due to the offer on food, I went all-out and got a soft drink - elderflower & lime cordial with soda. Wild, I know.

Food arrived shortly and was beautifully presented. I dived into the fried potatoes first, tweaked with the addition of chorizo, small capers and a fried egg. The chorizo was delicious, and the egg was a lovely addition to an authentic Spanish classic. However, the whole dish was a little oily for my liking, as I prefer really crispy dry potatoes with a fluffy centre. I also had extra mayo as the dish didn't come with the traditional garlic aioli and tomato sauce. I think the red oiliness may actually have been their version of the tomato sauce, but I don't think it worked as well as it could have. Still, a great innovative dish with a lot of thoughtful touches.

Observe the oil

The teriyaki salmon was faultless. Sat on a bed of ripe green pak choi and red onion salad, the black sesame skin made the dish look stunning. It was sweet and tangy, the textures of the crunchy salad and soft fish contrasting perfectly. I also liked that this dish was an interesting healthy option. Flavours were used cleverly to make simple food taste delicious; the salmon was glazed with japanese teriyaki, and the salad tossed in chilli and fresh lime. 

Observe the beauty

More than contented with our mains, we stayed for coffee and cake/cappuccino and carrot. Carrot cake is always a winner and this one didn't change that sentiment, the experimental courgette and lime cake was also a pleasant surprise. Our waitress was highly apologetic about the delay of my cappuccino as they had to run and get milk from downstairs, I was happy to swap to a black americano but she insisted and I was glad as the coffee was worth the wait. The overall service was great, all of the staff were very friendly and receptive to engage with my ever-chatty Father.

There were plenty more things on this menu that I'd like to try, particularly including the beef bourguignon with mash, bacon and onions and the Spanish omelette with broad beans and pomegranate. Electrik have taken inspiration from a variety of cuisines to create an interesting, accessible and exciting menu. I'll probably be returning in the near future - before the month is out!

Electrik Bar
50% off food all October

559a Wilbraham Road
Chorlton
Manchester 
M21 0AE

http://www.electrikbar.co.uk/

Review: Guerrilla Eats

The label ‘hipster’ is thrown around a lot these days, especially in Manchester. The subculture is said to typically involve the likes of plaid shirts, skinny jeans and ‘geek’ glasses.

I confess guilty, guilty and guilty (they’re prescription, so it’s completely fine and not pretentious at all).

It must be something about the cobbled streets, the low-hung lighting and the functional/minimal decor of the Northern Quarter that makes people in Manchester want to grow a beard and start wearing vintage knitwear.

As with clothing fashions, food also moves with the times, keeping up with trends to satisfy the clientele’s current palette. ‘Hipster’ style is reflected in the food we are now offered: it is alternative and creatively presented. In my opinion, a great thing.

Halloumi is the plaid shirt of hipster food, brioche buns the oversized jumper. Sweet potato fries, pulled pork and craft beer are the alternative music of the culinary world. Nonsensical parallels aside, my point is not to criticise, but to congratulate the continuity with which Manchester churns out these exciting food innovations.

What better example to illustrate my point than an upcycled warehouse full of independent food vendors: Guerrilla Eats.

You don't get hipster without an edgy filter

Every Saturday from 5pm - 12am, a varying selection of talented street food micro businesses gather to host an evening filled with cutting-edge dishes made fresh before your eyes. This isn't an elaborate way of describing a greasy fast food takeaway convention, it is a collection of passionate and genuine foodies creating quality 'eats'.


















As I attended as part of a social with The Mancunion, I only bought two dishes of my own and had a sneaky taste of everyone else's (their reviews are to follow on the site). The first was from trader Mumma Schnitzel, which offered mini brioche burgers for £4 or 2 for £6. Naturally I went for the bargain combo of two, choosing the signature twice fried panko-crumbed chicken with sweet chilli sauce, and a less fiery chicken schnitzel with avocado and something else that I can't remember. Evidently, the former was the winner as the tangy taste stayed in my mouth and my memory. Crispy fried chicken on a soft bread is not a bite one forgets. Not to say that the avo-chicken wasn't good; my companion preferred this due to the lack of spice, thus proving that varying tastes were well catered for. Further proof of the mini-burger's success is my lack of photograph. Sorry.

My second choice was the delightfully monstrous toastie from Big Grillie Style. 'The Fresh Prince' was stuffed with pulled pork, mac and cheese (yes, pasta on bread) and extra grilled cheese. It's exactly this kind of diet-ridiculing fusion that gives the event its warfare-inspired name. These guys sabotage the fundamental rules of food combinations, and I mean that in a completely positive way. This IS a treat, it's not a waste of calories like eating a big mac and immediately wanting another one. It's filling, packed with quality ingredients and deliciously satisfying.

The Fresh Prince

Complemented by one of the bar's German swing-topped bottled lagers, this not-just-a-sandwich really hit the spot.

A potential souvenir

As well as serving great food, the atmosphere of the warehouse is something in itself. The long wooden tables, live DJ and fully stocked bar mean that this is a great place to spend an evening with friends. We made full use of the £4 cocktails mixed with scrumpy, rum and juice while others celebrated our outing with copious bottles of Prosecco on offer for the reasonable price of £16.

As there were traders there that I didn't sample and more to come each week, this is definitely an event I shall be returning to. Hipster food: keep it coming.

Guerrilla Eats
Free Entry
Every Sat 5pm - 12am
Blossom St,
M4 5AF
http://guerrillaeats.com/

Review: A Place Called Common

Located fittingly on Edge Street, this bar/restaurant boasts quality food, drinks and service with quirkiness and flare.

On my first visit to what's often shortened to ‘Common', I sat back to a window with a bright, full view of the bold yet minimal interior, comprised of a variety of organic colours and textures, such as wooden chipboard surfaces and vibrant paper artwork, giving warmth to the deep grey walls. Adding detail to the humble atmosphere of Common are a wide spread of colourful beer mats pasted to the walls and bar area, which decoratively highlight the extensive choice of unique craft ales in stock. Modest metallic furnishings combine with the friendliness of the staff to create this fresh hangout spot in the heart of the Northern Quarter.

Despite the tempting ale variety, I skipped straight to the cocktails. To start, my lunch companion and I shared the curiously named 'Beet Down', which, according to the barman, is a concoction of beetroot, vodka, passion-fruit, and egg whites. Made obvious by this vibrant pink number, Common offers much more exciting cocktails than your standard Sex on the Beach (depending on who's the cocktail shaker, I suppose.) At around £8 on average, the cocktails on this menu are expensive but worth it for a treat or special occasion.

To nibble, we shared a portion of deep fried beer battered pickles and chillies. Like many other twenty-something year old foodies, they had me at 'deep fried'. Delicious, enough said.

For my main, I chose the shrimp, chorizo and avocado on sourdough toast with chipotle mayo. It was exactly as good as it sounds: the chorizo was fresh and flavoursome, and the spice from the chipotle perfectly balanced the creamy avocado. My companion went for the roast vegetable chilli, which was served up in its own hardened tortilla bowl, she found it 'inspirational', buying a pack of tortillas on the way home to later attempt a recreation of the dish. We shared sides of the Deep House Salad, which was a pretty mix of lettuce, cucumber and pickled cabbage but had nothing notably to do with house music, and Kimchi Slaw (I'd never heard of it either). To put it simply, our adventurousness paid off: both sides beautifully complimented or main dishes, and after some inspired researching (AKA, a quick Google), I now know that 'kimchi' is a fermented Korean dish with a variety of seasonings.

In addition to their inspired and varied menu, Common also offers a wide range of American style burgers, westernised Mexican food, local meats, cheeses, and deli style sandwiches, as well as various salads. It has also created a generous variety for those with dietary requirements, like vegetarians and vegans. Considering the menu’s assortment, I would definitely bank on there being something delicious for everyone at Common.

After licking up every last crumb of our meals, we sadly had no room for pudding, despite the shameless ogling of the Rocky Road that'd been giving us ‘the eye’ for the duration of our lunch. Then again, that’s just another reason to return.

39 to 41 Edge Street

Northern Quarter
Manchester M4 1HW

0161 832 9245

http://www.aplacecalledcommon.co.uk/

Review: Pieminister

Feeling fragile from the night before, a friend and I headed in the direction of the Northern Quarter in search of one of their notorious wedges of cake, but were quickly thrown off course on coming into visual contact with the word ‘pie’.

'The Mothership'.

The enticing billboard outside presents pastry-encased deliciousness with minty mushy peas, cripsy shallots, thick gravy and grated cheese, all sitting atop a bed of creamy mash for the humble price of £7.95 (bonus: I later found out about the 10% student discount). We went in, and discovered that this wonderful combination is known as 'The Mothership', and is available as an upgrade with any single pie, of which flavours range from classic steak & ale ('moo') to the more adventurous red wine venison & puy lentil ('deerstalker').

As the pies are made fresh in store they are displayed temptingly in a glass window at the counter, which acts as a kind of bar cross open-kitchen, where you can tentatively watch staff compile plates of food in excited hope that the next one is yours. Service is quick and efficient due to the ready-made pies and open-plan layout: the Mothership is stacked, warmed and delivered with a mouthwatering personal gravy boat for you to drown your meal in. They've really captured the spirit of Northern tastebuds here, but that by no means implies that other regions will be complaining.

Naturally, I went for the meal deal and enjoyed my succulent beef 'moo' with all of the trimmings, the mixture of crunch from the onions and softness of the mash combined to make the perfect forkful. My companion opted for the 'funghi chicken' and we both agreed that our all-butter shortcrust cases and suet lids deserved the award winning titles they hold.

Their concept is simple without being dull, Pieminister have perfected each element of their food to make sure that your meal hits the spot every time, and their broad range of pies means that it can be a place to revisit frequently even if you are an eater who likes change. Vegetarians and dieters are also safe: options such as the 'wildshroom' and lower-calorie 'light as feta' earn their place on the menu without any compromise on taste. For me, Pieminister's main attraction is that the pies are individually encased in shortcrust rather than being dished out from a tray topped with one sheet of puff-pastry; having your own personal pie makes it that bit more special.

This is one to visit day or night, as a purposeful selection of craft beers and ciders are available to complement the pies. Other dishes are on the menu such as Soup of the Day and Home made scotch egg, but really you should head here for one thing. So, if you're feeling ropey, hungry or in the mood for some classic Manchester cuisine, head to the Northern Quarter for a hot and wholesome pie.

http://www.pieminister.co.uk/restaurants/northern-quarter/

Open Monday-Saturday 11am -10pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

53 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PD