Tandoori Paneer Pizza | Indian Cottage Cheese Pizza

Yes, I have been cooking regularly. No, I haven't forgotten that I have a very special blog. :P I've just been busy being sick! I'm back with a Pizza! Yep, another Pizza! :-D Last time, I made Mini Pizzas. which were Italian. This time, I decided to go with a quintessential Indian flavor. Even the basic sauce has a touch of Indian-ness to it! ☻

*Tandoori Paneer Pizza* |  Pizza itself is a weakness. Throw in Paneer (Cottage Cheese) and you've got yourself a master-piece! I have used all healthy ingredients in this Pizza including a wheat Pizza base. I also made this on a pan rather than a microwave or an oven. Just wanted to retain the Indian-ness/ tandoor concept as much as possible! ☺ But you can use a microwave too.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Sauce -

Tomatooes - 4 medium sized chopped

Onion - 1 medium; finely chopped

Ginger Paste - 1/4 teaspoon

Garlic paste - 1/2 teaspoon

Salt - to taste; 1 teaspoon

Red Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon

Garam Masala Powder - 1 teaspoon (or use Chaat masala if you want)

Green Chili - 2; roughly chopped

Vegetable Oil - 1 teaspoon

Blender / Food Processor / Mixer

Tomato Ketchup - 1 tablespoon (optional)

For the PIZZA -

Store bought Pizza Base (I used thin crust, wheat pizza base) (or make your own base)

Pizza Sauce (as prepared)

Paneer / Cottage Cheese - 100 grams (for 2 Pizzas)

Capsicum - 1 medium; cut julienne

Oniom - 1 small, sliced (optional)

Cheese - preferably Mozzarella (just a little to cover the pizza)

Method

A. Marinating the Panner / Cottage Cheese

1) Take good quality cottage cheese / paneer & chop them into small cubes.

2) In a small bowl, take 2 tablespoons of Curd / Yogurt, add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder & 1 teaspoon chicpea/besan powder (kadalai maavu) and mix it well.

3) Add the paneer / cottage cheese cubes in it & mix well. Let it rest for about 45min-1 hour

 

B) Making the PIZZA SAUCE

Remember the Pizza Sauce I made for the Calzone? This is exactly like that. Only the spices vary a bit to taste Indian! ;-)

1) Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a kadai / pan & add the chopped onions

2) Add the ginger & garlic

 

tomatoes & salt

 

red chili powder & garam masala powder

 

3) Mix well & sauté well for 3-4 minutes until the mixture shrinks & the raw smell of the spices is gone.

4) Add the mixture to a blender. (let it cool for 5 minutes) Blend / Grind to a smooth paste.

 

5) Add this paste to the pan again & let it cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup. I just add coz the ketchup gives the sauce a good color. It is not compulsory.

6) & Voila! The Indianized Pizza Sauce is ready! ☺

C) Making the Tandoori Pizza

1) Take the marinated cottage cheese / paneer in a pan with some Pizza Sauce. (use the same pan as the previously prepared sauce) & Just stir fry for 1 minute.

2) Take your Pizza Base on a flat surface.

3) Apply the sauce prepared generously all over it.

4) Arrange the paneer / cottage cheese on the pizza.

5) Add your onions & capsicum.

6) Add the cheese. (optional)

7) Take a flat pan. Keep your pizza on the pan & on LOW FLAME, let it cook for 5 minutes closed. To cook the pizza, take a larger vessel that covers the whole pizza but is not larger than the flat pan. Cover the pizza & cook on low flame for 5-8 minutes.

8) Your Tandoori Paneer Pizza is READY!! :-D

Alternatively,

- cook the same in Microwave on Cooking  + Grilling for 4 minutes. OR

- in the OTG model for 10 minutes

whichever works the best for you!

The spicy tangy crispy Pizza with the soft cottage cheese was absolutely delicious!!!

*Munch Munch*