Paneer Tikka Pizza Recipe

Paneer Tikka Pizza Recipe: A Delicious Fusion of Indian and Italian Flavors

Introduction:
Paneer Tikka Pizza is the perfect fusion of two beloved cuisines: Indian and Italian. The smoky, spicy flavors of paneer tikka paired with the soft, cheesy crust of pizza creates a unique culinary experience. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and an excellent way to elevate your homemade pizza game. Below, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making Paneer Tikka Pizza at home.

Ingredients:

For Paneer Tikka Marinade:

• 200 grams paneer, cubed
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

For Pizza Base:

• Store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (grated)

For Toppings:

• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/2 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
• 1 small tomato, sliced
• 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Chili flakes and oregano for seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer Tikka

1. Marinate the Paneer: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the dry spices (turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander, kasuri methi, and salt). Add 1 tablespoon of oil and mix well to form a thick marinade.
2. Coat the Paneer: Add the paneer cubes to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (for best results, marinate for 2-3 hours).
3. Grill or Pan-Fry the Paneer: Heat a grill pan or regular pan on medium heat, brush with some oil, and grill the marinated paneer cubes until they turn golden and slightly charred. Set them aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
2. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased baking tray or pizza stone.
3. Spread the Sauce: Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Add Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese on top of the pizza sauce.
2. Arrange Toppings: Place the grilled paneer tikka cubes evenly across the pizza base. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and sweet corn (if using).
3. Season: Sprinkle some chili flakes and oregano for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

1. Bake in the Oven: Transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the Paneer Tikka Pizza and serve hot with your favorite dips or enjoy as is. The smoky paneer tikka, melted cheese, and flavorful veggies make this pizza irresistible!

Tips:

• If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can use a charcoal-smoking method for the marinated paneer before grilling it.
• Experiment with different veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for a more diverse topping.
• Use whole wheat or multigrain dough for a healthier version of the pizza base.

Conclusion:
Paneer Tikka Pizza is an excellent way to bring a flavorful twist to your regular pizza. The spicy paneer tikka pairs wonderfully with the cheesy, gooey pizza, making it a great choice for family dinners, parties, or just a weekend treat. Whether you’re a fan of Indian or Italian cuisine, this fusion dish will surely become a favorite in your household!

Enjoy making and sharing this Paneer Tikka Pizza!