Kadai Pizza Recipe- Whole Wheat Crust with Homemade Sauce

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Kadai Pizza Recipe – Whole Wheat Crust with Homemade Sauce

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love pizza. But sometimes, you crave that homemade touch, something a little different than the usual delivery. That’s where this Kadai Pizza comes in! I first stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago, and it’s become a family favorite – especially on weekend nights. It’s surprisingly easy, incredibly flavorful, and a fun twist on a classic. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any pizza recipe. We’re making it on a kadai – a traditional Indian wok – which gives the crust a beautifully smoky flavor and a wonderfully crisp texture. Plus, we’re using whole wheat flour, making it a slightly healthier (but equally delicious!) treat. And honestly, the whole process is just… satisfying. It’s a little bit of effort, a whole lot of flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Kadai Pizza:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta) – about 120g
• ¾ tsp powdered salt
• ⅛ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• As needed curd (dahi) – about ½ cup, for a slightly sticky dough
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 cup salt (for kadai) – coarse salt works best!
• 1 tbsp red chili sauce
• 1 tbsp pizza sauce
• 100g mozzarella cheese – grated
• As per choice toppings (onion, tomato, capsicum, etc.) – get creative!
• 1 tbsp butter

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Whole Wheat Flour (Atta): Using atta gives this pizza a lovely nutty flavor and a healthier boost. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.
• The Kadai Magic: Don’t worry if you’ve never cooked anything in a kadai before! It’s a game-changer for pizza. The salt creates a makeshift oven effect, giving you a crispy crust without a traditional oven.
• Sauce It Up: Feel free to use store-bought pizza sauce if you’re short on time. But if you’re feeling ambitious, a quick homemade tomato sauce really elevates the flavor. I sometimes add a pinch of oregano and garlic powder to mine!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Prep the Toppings: First things first, wash and slice your favorite veggies – onions, tomatoes, capsicum, mushrooms, whatever your heart desires! Having everything ready to go makes the assembly process so much smoother.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar. Gradually add the curd, mixing until you form a slightly sticky dough. Now, drizzle in the cooking oil and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Grease a plate with a little butter. Flatten one portion of the dough into a round base – about 6-8 inches in diameter. Use a fork to prick the base all over; this prevents it from puffing up too much while cooking.
4. Sauce and Cheese: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce and a little chili sauce over the base. Add your prepped toppings, and then sprinkle on the grated mozzarella cheese. Don’t forget a little butter around the edges for extra golden goodness!
5. Kadai Time! Pour about 1 inch of salt into your kadai and spread it evenly. Preheat the kadai on high heat for about 5 minutes. Then, reduce the flame to low. Place a small heat-proof bowl inside the kadai, and carefully set the pizza plate on top of the bowl.
6. Cook and Enjoy: Cover the kadai and cook on low flame for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of pizza herbs (oregano, basil, chili flakes) and slice into wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Salt is Key: Don’t skimp on the salt in the kadai! It’s what creates the heat needed to cook the pizza.
• Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat is crucial. You want the crust to cook through without burning.
• Check for Doneness: If the base isn’t golden enough after 15 minutes, continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking frequently.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the mozzarella for a vegan cheese alternative. There are some great options available now!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour. You might need to adjust the amount of curd to get the right consistency.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili sauce to your liking. My kids prefer a milder pizza, so I usually use less.
• Festival Adaptations: For Independence Day, use toppings in the colors of the Indian flag (tomato, capsicum, and paneer). For Children’s Day, let the kids choose their own toppings and create their own masterpieces!

Serving Suggestions

This Kadai Pizza is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a side salad and a refreshing drink. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette is perfect.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pizza? Yes, please! Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or oven for best results.

FAQs

1. What type of kadai is best for making this pizza?

Any kadai will work, but a heavy-bottomed one will distribute the heat more evenly.

2. Can I use a different type of flour besides whole wheat?

Yes, you can! All-purpose flour will also work, but the texture will be slightly different.

3. How do I prevent the pizza base from becoming soggy?

Pricking the base with a fork helps prevent it from puffing up and becoming soggy. Also, don’t overload it with toppings!

4. Can I assemble the pizza ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizza and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.

5. What are some good topping combinations for this Kadai Pizza?

The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorites are:

• Paneer Tikka Pizza
• Veggie Delight (onion, capsicum, tomato, mushrooms)
• Spicy Chicken Pizza

6. Is it possible to bake this pizza in a conventional oven if I don’t have a kadai?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.