Pav Bhaji Pizza Recipe: A Fusion of Flavors
If you’re a fan of both Pav Bhaji and pizza, this recipe is a match made in heaven! Imagine the rich, spicy flavors of traditional Pav Bhaji topping a crispy pizza base, all crowned with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect fusion of Indian street food with Italian comfort food. This Pav Bhaji Pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a unique twist on your usual pizza night. Here’s how you can make this mouth-watering dish from scratch.
Ingredients:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Raw Banana | 6 |
Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
Onion (finely chopped) | 2 |
Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, finely chopped) | 1 |
Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
Green Peas (steamed) | 1/2 cup |
Red Chilli Powder | 1 tsp |
Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 tsp |
Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1/2 tsp |
Pav Bhaji Masala | 2 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tbsp |
Sunflower Oil | As required |
Water | As required |
Lemon Juice | 1 tsp |
Mozzarella Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
Coriander Leaves (for garnish) | 2 sprigs |
Pizza Base (or whole wheat pizza) | 1 |
Butter | 50 grams |
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pav Bhaji Masala
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Boil the Raw Bananas: Begin by washing and boiling the raw bananas. Add the bananas to a pressure cooker with enough water to cover them. Cook for 2 to 3 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally. Once cooked, peel off the skin and grate the bananas. Set them aside.
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Cook the Veggies: Heat some sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds and sauté for about 10 seconds until they start to splutter. Next, add the finely chopped onions and cook them until they turn soft and translucent. Add the green chillies, bell pepper (capsicum), and tomatoes. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the capsicum becomes tender.
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Add the Spices: Stir in the steamed green peas, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Mix well and allow the spices to cook for about 2 minutes, blending the flavors.
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Mash the Vegetables: Once the vegetables have softened, add the grated raw bananas. Using a potato masher, mash the entire mixture together, cooking for an additional 10 minutes. The flavors should meld together, creating a thick, flavorful filling. Turn off the heat and add lemon juice. Set the Pav Bhaji masala aside to cool.
Step 2: Assembling the Pizza
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Prepare the Pizza Base: While the masala cools, take your pizza base (store-bought or homemade). Spread a thin layer of butter on the surface of the base. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the pizza base until it’s crispy and lightly browned.
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Spread the Pav Bhaji: Once the base is crispy, spread a generous layer of the prepared Pav Bhaji mixture evenly over the pizza base.
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Add the Toppings: Sprinkle finely chopped onions on top of the Pav Bhaji layer and generously cover it with grated mozzarella cheese.
Step 3: Baking the Pizza
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Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden color. You can also check by lifting the edges of the pizza to ensure the base is crisp and well-cooked.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve your Pav Bhaji Pizza hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pav Bhaji Pizza:
- Make It Spicier: If you like your food spicier, add an extra green chilli or more red chilli powder to the Pav Bhaji mixture.
- Use Whole Wheat Base: For a healthier twist, opt for a whole wheat pizza base instead of the regular white flour base.
- Extra Toppings: You can add other vegetables like carrots or corn to the Pav Bhaji mix to enhance the flavor.
- Serve with a Side: Pair this dish with a refreshing Indian-style salad or a cool drink like Masala Chaas (spiced buttermilk) to complement the richness of the pizza.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 50g |
Fat | 15g |
Fiber | 6g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Vitamin C | 35% of daily value |
Calcium | 15% of daily value |
This Pav Bhaji Pizza recipe brings together the best of both worlds— the beloved Indian street food and the universally loved pizza. It’s a fun way to experience a fusion of flavors, perfect for a weekend dinner or a special treat. Pair it with Indian-style macaroni or a refreshing dessert like no-churn strawberry ice cream to complete the meal. Enjoy every bite of this delicious fusion pizza!