fluffy homemade naan

and a little dinner spread it inspired

My best trick for making cooking at home feel less like tragic drudgery and more like a fun creative way to cook something delicious and nourishing for myself: I’ll think of one specific dish or component that I’ve been craving or wanting to make and use that as the inspiration for the rest of my meal. Then, I’ll think about what ingredients I already have and how to incorporate them. Lastly, I’ll run to the store for whatever else I don’t have that I need. It’s a great way to avoid getting stuck in the overwhelming headspace of “what do I make for dinner and what do I have to buy?” Split it up into this 3 part process and making dinner can become a little more straightforward and enjoyable.

Yesterday, I really wanted to make some homemade naan. I had also made a batch of whipped hot honey ricotta at work, an obviously perfect accompaniment. I knew I had some tomatoes, cucumbers and arugula at home — a salad, done. To pull the meal together I wanted an herby charred piece of lamb. The only two things I needed from the store were lamb and a red onion, I was in and out in 5 minutes (ok more like 10, the line at Whole Foods is pure wicked chaos).