Easy Mini Pizza Recipe- Tawa Style Indian Homemade Pizza

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Mini Pizza Recipe – Tawa Style Indian Homemade Pizza

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave pizza, but don’t want the hassle of ordering takeout or dealing with a long rise time for dough. This tawa pizza recipe is my go-to for those moments! It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable. I first made this when my kids were begging for a pizza night, and I realized I was completely out of yeast. Necessity is the mother of invention, right? This recipe has been a family favorite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your typical pizza. We’re making it on a tawa – a flat griddle commonly used in Indian kitchens! It gives the base a lovely, slightly chewy texture, and it’s SO much faster than baking in the oven. Plus, the little touch of chili flakes in the sauce gives it a little Indian-inspired kick that’s seriously addictive. It’s perfect for a quick snack, a fun weekend activity with the kids, or even a party appetizer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious mini pizzas:

• 2 cup maida (all-purpose flour) – about 250g
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup curd (plain yogurt) – about 60ml
• ½ cup milk – about 120ml
• 2 tbsp olive oil – about 30ml
• ½ cup tomato sauce – about 120ml
• 2 tbsp chilli sauce
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (or more, to taste!)
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• Capsicum, chopped (about ½ cup)
• Onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
• Tomato, chopped (about ½ cup)
• Sweet corn (about ¼ cup)
• Jalapeno, chopped (optional, to taste)
• Olives, chopped (about ¼ cup)
• Cheese, grated (about 1 cup – mozzarella works great!)
• Chilli flakes, for garnish
• Mixed herbs, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Maida is key here. It’s what gives the base that lovely soft texture. You can experiment with other flours (more on that in the variations section!), but maida is my tried-and-true choice.
• Olive oil adds a subtle flavor and helps with the dough’s elasticity. You can substitute with any neutral oil if you don’t have olive oil on hand, but I really recommend it if you can.
• That chilli sauce and flakes combo? That’s where the magic happens! It’s a little nod to Indian flavors that really elevates the pizza sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. In a large bowl, combine the maida, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good mix.
2. Add the curd and milk. Start kneading to form a soft dough. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
3. Now, drizzle in the olive oil and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Grease the dough with a little oil, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for at least an hour. This allows the gluten to relax, making the pizza base easier to roll.
5. Once rested, give the dough a quick knead. Divide it into 9 equal balls.
6. Roll each ball into a thick disc, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Use a fork to prick the surface all over – this prevents the pizza from puffing up too much on the tawa.
7. Heat a tawa (flat griddle) over medium heat. Cook each pizza base for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly cooked. They shouldn’t be browned, just set.
8. While the bases are cooking, prepare the pizza sauce. In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, chilli sauce, chilli flakes, and mixed herbs.
9. Spread a generous layer of sauce on each pizza base. Then, top with chopped capsicum, onion, tomato, sweet corn, jalapeno (if using), and olives.
10. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the toppings.
11. Place the mini pizzas on the hot tawa (you might need to do this in batches). Cover and cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Garnish with a sprinkle of chilli flakes and mixed herbs. Serve immediately with some garlic bread for the ultimate pizza night!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the tawa! Cook the pizzas in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• Keep the heat on low when melting the cheese. This prevents the base from burning.
• For a crispier base, you can brush the tawa with a little oil before cooking the pizzas.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Cheese Option: Use your favorite vegan mozzarella alternative! There are some really good ones available now. My friend, Sarah, swears by the Daiya brand.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend Adaptation: Substitute the maida with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You might need to add a little extra milk to get the right consistency.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce the amount of chilli flakes in the sauce. Or, if you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• Festive/Party Adaptation: Make smaller, bite-sized pizzas for a party! They’re perfect for snacking.

Serving Suggestions

These mini pizzas are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a side of:

• Garlic bread (a must!)
• A fresh salad
• A cooling raita (yogurt dip)

Storage Instructions

Leftover pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until warmed through. They’re best enjoyed fresh, though!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
• What kind of cheese is best for this tawa pizza? Mozzarella is classic, but you can also use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone.
• Can I bake these pizzas in the oven instead of on a tawa? Yes, you can! Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until the base is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• How can I adjust the spice level of the pizza sauce? Start with a small amount of chilli flakes and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• What are some other topping ideas for this mini pizza? The possibilities are endless! Try paneer tikka, mushrooms, pineapple, chicken, or anything else you like on your pizza.

Enjoy making (and eating!) these delicious tawa-style mini pizzas. Let me know in the comments how yours turn out!