Paneer Naan Pizza Recipe
Introduction
Paneer Naan Pizza offers a delightful fusion of Indian and Italian cuisines, perfect for a dinner party or a cozy meal at home. This unique recipe combines the fluffy texture of naan with the traditional flavors of pizza, topped with fresh vegetables, paneer, and mozzarella. It’s a vegetarian dish that is sure to impress guests and is easy to make. Serve it with a side of pasta or a light dessert like Strawberry Cheesecake Bars to make a complete meal.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this fusion treat:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup + extra for dusting |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Warm Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee or Cooking Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Lukewarm Water | As needed |
| Blanched Tomatoes | 4 |
| Garlic Cloves | 4 |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Mixed Herbs | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Basil Leaves, finely chopped | 5 leaves |
| Butter, melted | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella Cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers | 1 cup, thinly sliced |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Italian Seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Butter or Oil (for greasing) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Naan Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the naan—flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add the warm milk and start mixing the dry ingredients. Slowly incorporate warm water to form a dough, adding just enough to bring everything together.
- Add ghee and hung curd (Greek yogurt) to the dough, kneading until smooth. If the dough is dry, add a few drops of warm water as needed.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 45 minutes, allowing it to rise.
Step 2: Rolling the Naan
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into two equal portions. Dust your working surface with flour.
- Roll each portion into a ball and, using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten it into the desired shape, typically round or oval.
- Heat a tava (griddle) until it’s smoking hot. Place one naan on the tava. You’ll start seeing bubbles forming on the surface. Flip the naan to cook the other side. Repeat this process for the second naan.
Step 3: Making the Pizza Sauce
- Puree the blanched tomatoes with the garlic cloves in a blender or food processor.
- Heat butter or oil in a pan, then add the tomato puree. Stir in the red chili flakes, dry mixed herbs, and chopped basil leaves.
- Let the sauce cook on low flame for 5-6 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Once done, turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.
Step 4: Assembling the Naan Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with butter or oil using a brush.
- Place the cooked naan on the prepared baking tray.
- Brush each naan with melted butter, then generously spread the pizza sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add the toppings: red, yellow, and green bell peppers, sliced onions, and paneer cubes. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top for extra flavor.
- Bake the assembled naan pizza in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Serving
- Once the pizzas are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve the Paneer Naan Pizza hot, either as a main dish at a pizza party or with a side of pasta and a light dessert.
Tips for the Perfect Paneer Naan Pizza
- For Crispier Naan: If you prefer a crispier naan base, you can cook the naan on a hot griddle first, then finish it off in the oven after adding the toppings.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or olives based on your preferences.
- Paneer Alternatives: If you don’t have paneer, you can use ricotta or even grilled chicken for a non-vegetarian version of this pizza.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the naan dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using it.
Why You’ll Love Paneer Naan Pizza
Paneer Naan Pizza is a fusion dish that combines the soft, pillowy texture of naan with the classic flavors of a pizza. The combination of fresh vegetables, soft paneer, and melty mozzarella creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the homemade pizza sauce adds that zesty kick. This dish is not only filling but also a fun and creative way to enjoy your favorite pizza ingredients in a whole new form. Perfect for vegetarian diners, it’s a crowd-pleaser and works wonderfully as a main dish for pizza parties, paired with a tangy pasta or a refreshing dessert.
This Paneer Naan Pizza is an innovative and delicious dish that combines the best of two culinary worlds: Indian and Italian. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy pizza, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and get creative with your toppings!
