Paneer Tikka Pizza – Indian Style Full Recipe

If you are a fan of both Indian and Italian cuisines, then this Paneer Tikka Pizza is the perfect fusion dish for you! This pizza combines the smoky flavors of paneer tikka, a popular Indian appetizer, with the cheesy goodness of pizza, creating a mouthwatering delight. The tangy, spiced paneer topping, creamy yogurt marinade, and crispy crust make it a must-try for food lovers. Let's dive into the detailed recipe, including homemade pizza dough, flavorful paneer tikka, and a rich pizza sauce infused with Indian spices.

Ingredients

For Pizza Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Paneer Tikka Marinade:

• 200g paneer (cubed)
• ½ cup thick yogurt (curd)
• 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• ½ teaspoon black salt
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup diced capsicum (green, red, yellow)
• ½ cup diced onion

For Pizza Sauce (Indian Style):

• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste

Other Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced onions
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Step 1: Preparing the Pizza Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and mix well.
4. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Paneer Tikka

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, gram flour, mustard oil, lemon juice, and all the spices for the marinade.
2. Add the paneer cubes, diced capsicum, and onion to the marinade.
3. Mix well to coat everything evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat a pan or grill and lightly grease it with oil.
5. Cook the marinated paneer and veggies on medium heat until they develop a charred, smoky flavor (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Set aside for topping the pizza.

Step 3: Preparing the Pizza Sauce

1. Heat butter or olive oil in a pan.
2. Add garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add chili flakes, oregano, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
5. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assembling the Paneer Tikka Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Roll out the risen dough into a circular shape and place it on a greased baking tray.
3. Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Arrange the grilled paneer tikka pieces, capsicum, onions, and sliced tomatoes over the cheese.
6. Sprinkle more mozzarella cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
7. Garnish with chili flakes, oregano, and fresh coriander leaves.

Step 5: Baking the Pizza

1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Paneer Tikka Pizza

• Use Fresh Paneer: Homemade or fresh paneer enhances the taste and texture.
• Preheat Your Oven Properly: A well-heated oven ensures a crispy crust.
• Marinate for Longer: Allowing the paneer to marinate for a few hours enhances the flavors.
• Char the Paneer Tikka Well: This gives the pizza a smoky, restaurant-style taste.
• Use a Pizza Stone or Cast Iron Pan: This helps achieve an evenly cooked, crispy base.

Final Thoughts

Paneer Tikka Pizza is a delicious fusion that combines the best of both worlds – the rich flavors of Indian paneer tikka and the cheesy delight of pizza. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a weekend treat, or simply craving something different, this homemade pizza is a great choice. Try this recipe and experience an explosion of flavors with every bite!

Enjoy your Indian-style Paneer Tikka Pizza and let us know how it turned out in the comments!