Pav Bhaji Pizza: A Fusion Twist on a Classic Indian Street Food
Pav Bhaji Pizza brings together the rich and hearty flavors of the iconic Indian street food, Pav Bhaji, and the beloved comfort food of pizza. This fusion recipe offers an exciting twist on traditional pizza, making it a fun and indulgent choice for a weekend dinner. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a delicious homemade dish, this Pav Bhaji Pizza is sure to impress!
Perfectly spiced with the aromatic Pav Bhaji masala, tangy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, this fusion pizza combines the best of both worlds. Topped with a vibrant bhaji made from vegetables like raw banana, onions, and peas, it’s a hearty, vegetarian delight that will satisfy your cravings.
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bhaji:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Banana | 6 |
| Tomatoes, finely chopped | 2 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), finely chopped | 1 |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Green Peas (Matar), steamed | ½ cup |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | ½ tsp |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | ½ tsp |
| Pav Bhaji Masala | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tbsp |
| Oil | as required |
| Water | as needed |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tsp |
For the Garnish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Mozzarella Cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, for garnish | 2 sprigs |
For the Pizza Base:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pizza Base (or whole wheat pizza base) | 1 |
| Butter (Salted) | 50 grams |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Instructions
1. Preparing the Bhaji:
- Begin by washing and boiling the raw bananas. Place them in a pressure cooker with enough water and cook for 2 to 3 whistles. Once the pressure has released naturally, peel off the skin and grate the bananas. Set them aside for later.
- Heat some oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 10 seconds.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. Then, add the finely chopped green chillies, capsicum, and tomatoes. Continue to cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the capsicum softens and the tomatoes break down into a thick paste.
- Stir in the steamed green peas, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Now, add the grated raw banana into the mixture. Use a potato masher to mash the vegetables and bananas together. Let the bhaji cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the bhaji is cooked, remove it from the heat and add a splash of lemon juice. Allow the mixture to cool before using it on the pizza.
2. Preparing the Pizza Base:
- Take the pizza base and spread a thin layer of butter on top.
- Heat a skillet or griddle and place the buttered pizza base on it. Toast it on medium heat until the base becomes crispy and golden brown on both sides. This step ensures a nice, crunchy texture for your pizza.
3. Assembling the Pizza:
- Once the pizza base is crisp, evenly spread the cooled bhaji mixture on top. Make sure the bhaji covers the base completely.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped onions over the bhaji, followed by a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges of the pizza base are slightly charred.
4. Serving:
- Once done, carefully remove the Pav Bhaji Pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for an added touch of freshness and flavor.
Serve your Pav Bhaji Pizza alongside a side of Indian Style Masala Macaroni for a fusion dinner experience. For dessert, treat yourself to a refreshing No Churn Strawberry Ice Cream to complete the meal on a sweet note.
Additional Tips:
- You can use a whole wheat pizza base for a healthier option.
- To make it spicier, increase the amount of green chillies or add extra red chilli powder.
- The Pav Bhaji Pizza is best served hot, but you can easily store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat them in the oven before serving.
This Pav Bhaji Pizza is the perfect example of how street food can be reinvented and served in a new, exciting way. A true fusion of flavors, this dish blends the spicy, tangy bhaji with the gooey, comforting mozzarella cheese, making it an irresistible dinner option. Enjoy this delicious fusion pizza with friends and family for an unforgettable weekend treat!
