Tandoori Pizza is a delightful blend of Indian spices and Italian comfort food. This fusion dish combines the smoky, spicy flavors of tandoori marinated vegetables or chicken with the cheesy, crispy crust of pizza, resulting in a dish that’s loved by food enthusiasts everywhere. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or simply indulging in comfort food, Tandoori Pizza brings the best of both worlds to your plate. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe.
Why is Tandoori Pizza Special?
Tandoori Pizza is the perfect example of fusion cuisine done right. The smoky tandoori flavors complement the rich Italian cheese and tomato base, creating a unique and flavorful experience. This dish is versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a surefire hit for any occasion.
Ingredients for Tandoori Pizza
For the Pizza Base
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Dry Yeast: 1 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Warm Water: As needed
For the Tandoori Marinade
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Tandoori Masala: 2 tbsp
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tbsp
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
- Red Chili Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: To taste
For the Toppings
- Chicken or Paneer (cubed): 1 cup (marinated and cooked)
- Onion: 1, sliced
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup, assorted colors, sliced
- Tomato Sauce: 1/2 cup
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Coriander Leaves: 2 tbsp, chopped
Step-by-Step Recipe for Tandoori Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and olive oil.
- Add the yeast mixture and knead into a soft dough, adding warm water as needed.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Tandoori Topping
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add cubed chicken or paneer to the marinade and mix well.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the marinated chicken or paneer in a pan or grill until lightly charred and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Roll out the pizza dough into your desired shape and thickness.
- Place the rolled dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the base.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, marinated chicken or paneer, onion slices, and bell peppers.
- Sprinkle more cheese if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Tandoori Pizza hot with a side of mint chutney or a fresh salad.
- Pair it with a chilled glass of soda or a fruity mocktail for a complete meal.
- Slice it into smaller pieces for an appetizer at parties.
Tips for Perfect Tandoori Pizza
- Use fresh dough for the best results; ready-made bases can also be used for convenience.
- Marinate the chicken or paneer well to ensure rich tandoori flavors.
- Adjust the spice levels in the marinade according to your preference.
- Use a pizza stone if available for an evenly cooked, crispy crust.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fats: 8g
- Protein: 12g
Read More: Authentic Kashmiri Pulao Recipe: A Fragrant and Rich Rice Dish
Tandoori Pizza
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Rolling Pin
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients for Pizza Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Warm water as needed
Ingredients for Tandoori Marinade
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
Ingredients for Toppings
- 1 cup chicken or paneer cubed
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers sliced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
Instructions
Instructions for Pizza
- Prepare the dough and let it rise.
- Marinate and cook the chicken or paneer.
- Roll the dough, assemble the pizza with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
- Bake in a preheated oven until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Ready-made pizza bases can be used for quicker preparation.
- Customize the toppings to your liking.
Conclusion
Tandoori Pizza is a delightful fusion of two beloved cuisines that guarantees to please your taste buds. With its smoky, spicy toppings and cheesy goodness, this dish is a hit at family dinners and gatherings. Follow this recipe to bring the vibrant flavors of Tandoori Pizza into your kitchen and enjoy a delicious twist on traditional pizza. Don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
