Italian Oat Crust Pizza Topped with Spinach & Paneer
This wholesome Italian Oat Crust Pizza is a delightful treat that combines the earthy flavor of oats with the goodness of whole wheat flour, making it a healthier version of your traditional pizza. The crispy crust, topped with a vibrant blend of fresh spinach, homemade paneer, and aromatic herbs, delivers a flavor-packed experience. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a guilt-free pizza indulgence, this vegetarian pizza recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
The spinach and paneer topping, paired with a fragrant homemade tomato basil sauce, adds a wonderful depth of flavor, while the oat crust provides a light yet satisfying texture. With simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a pizza that’s both delicious and nutritious, making it perfect for kids and adults alike!
Cuisine: Italian | Course: Lunch | Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Italian Oat Pizza Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal, Italian) | 80 grams |
| Lukewarm Water | 3/4 cup |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
For the Spinach Paneer Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce | 1 cup |
| Spinach (finely chopped) | 200 grams |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, grated) | 100 grams |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli Flakes | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (for cooking) | 1 teaspoon |
For the Tomato Basil Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 300 grams |
| Basil Leaves (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Preparation Time: 150 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
Start by making the Italian oat crust. In a bowl, combine 3/4 cup of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir well to dissolve the honey.
In a large mixing bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour, 80 grams of instant oats, and 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. Gradually pour in the warm honey water and stir until the dough begins to come together.
Once the mixture starts forming into dough, knead it on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
Coat the dough with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, then place it in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set it in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
3. (Optional) Refrigerate for Later Use:
If you’re not making the pizza immediately, you can place the risen dough in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3–4 days. This makes it easy to prepare fresh pizzas on demand, whether large or mini-sized, whenever you wish.
4. Prepare the Tomato Basil Sauce:
While the dough is rising, make the tomato basil sauce. In a saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and cook until the tomatoes break down and become soft, about 10 minutes. Once the tomatoes are cooked, stir in the chopped basil leaves and cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
5. Prepare the Spinach Paneer Topping:
While the dough rises, sauté the chopped spinach in 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook until the spinach wilts, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Grate the homemade paneer (cottage cheese) into small pieces. In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with the grated paneer, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and salt. Set aside.
6. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
7. Assemble the Pizza:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a generous layer of the homemade tomato basil sauce over the base.
Top with the spinach and paneer mixture, spreading it evenly over the sauce.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve:
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing. Garnish with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if desired.
Enjoy your Italian Oat Crust Pizza topped with Spinach and Paneer for a wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy!
This recipe offers a nutritious and delicious twist on the classic pizza, perfect for those seeking a healthy alternative without compromising on flavor. The oat crust provides a hearty base, while the fresh spinach and paneer topping brings a burst of vibrant flavor, making it a great choice for both lunch and dinner. Whether you’re following a vegetarian diet or simply looking for a lighter pizza option, this recipe is a winner!
