Paneer Naan Pizza Recipe
Description:
Paneer Naan Pizza is a delightful fusion recipe that combines the traditional Indian flatbread, Naan, with delicious pizza toppings. The crispy naan base paired with a tangy pizza sauce, fresh vegetables, homemade paneer, and gooey mozzarella makes this a perfect dish for a cozy dinner or a party.
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Naan | |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup + extra for dusting |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Milk (warm) | 1/4 cup |
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee (or cooking oil) | 1 tablespoon |
| Lukewarm Water | As needed |
| For Pizza Sauce | |
| Blanched Tomatoes | 4 |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Mix Herbs | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 5, finely chopped |
| Butter (Salted), melted | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| For Pizza Toppings | |
| Mozzarella Cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers | 1 cup (thinly sliced) |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams |
| Onion | 1 (sliced) |
| Seasoning | |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tablespoon (or oil to grease) |
Preparation Time:
60 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions
1. Preparing the Naan Dough:
To begin, in a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the naan: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the warm milk and mix to form a dough. Gradually incorporate lukewarm water, adjusting the amount as needed until a soft, smooth dough forms. Add the ghee and hung curd (Greek yogurt) and knead well, making sure the dough becomes pliable and smooth. This process should take around 10 minutes. If the dough feels too dry, add a few more drops of warm water.
Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest in a warm, dry place for at least 45 minutes, allowing it to rise.
2. Preparing the Naan:
After the dough has rested, divide it into 2 equal portions. Dust your working surface with flour and roll each portion into smooth balls. Using a rolling pin or your hands, roll out each ball of dough into your desired naan shape, keeping it about 1/4 inch thick.
Heat a tava (griddle) over medium-high heat until it gets smoking hot. Place the rolled-out naan onto the tava. As the naan cooks, you will see bubbles start to form on the surface. Once the underside is golden brown, flip the naan and cook the other side. Repeat this for all the naan portions. Set aside.
3. Making the Pizza Sauce:
For the pizza sauce, start by pureeing the blanched tomatoes along with garlic cloves in a blender or food processor until smooth. In a pan, heat some butter (or oil), then pour in the tomato-garlic puree. Add the red chili flakes, dry mixed herbs, and finely chopped basil leaves. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Season with salt to taste and remove from the heat.
4. Assembling the Paneer Naan Pizza:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with foil and lightly grease it with butter or oil using a brush.
Place the prepared naan on the tray. Brush each naan with melted butter. Spread a generous layer of the pizza sauce over each naan, ensuring it is evenly coated. Sprinkle a good amount of grated mozzarella cheese on top. Then, arrange the bell pepper slices, paneer cubes, and onion rings over the cheese layer.
Finish by sprinkling red chili flakes and Italian seasoning over the toppings for added flavor.
5. Baking the Paneer Naan Pizza:
Place the assembled naan pizzas into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the naan are slightly crisped.
6. Serving:
Once the pizza is done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut the Paneer Naan Pizza into slices and serve hot. It’s a great dish for a casual dinner, a weekend party, or even a pizza night with friends and family. Pair it with a refreshing drink and enjoy!
Note:
This Paneer Naan Pizza is an excellent party idea and can also be served as a main dish at a pizza party. For an even more fulfilling meal, consider pairing it with a side of Penne Arrabiata Pasta and a delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe for dessert!
