Paneer Pizza Recipe – Whole Wheat, Indian-Spiced & Easy Bake

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Pizza Recipe – Whole Wheat, Indian-Spiced & Easy Bake

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love pizza. But sometimes, you crave something a little different, a little more… us. This paneer pizza recipe is exactly that! It’s a delicious fusion of Italian comfort food and vibrant Indian flavors, all on a wholesome whole wheat base. I first made this when I was trying to sneak more veggies into my kids’ diet, and it was a huge hit! They didn’t even realize they were eating spinach – sneaky mom win!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pizza. We’re ditching the refined flour for nutritious whole wheat, and swapping pepperoni for spiced paneer and colorful veggies. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite with a healthy and flavorful twist. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or even a fun cooking project with the family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Indian-spiced masterpiece:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour (approx. 375g)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (approx. 3g)
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar (approx. 2g)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (approx. 45ml)
• 1 teaspoon salt (approx. 6g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (approx. 15ml)
• 1 cup onion cubes
• 1 cup bell pepper cubes
• 0.5 cup chopped spinach
• 2 tablespoons fresh curd (approx. 30g)
• 100 grams paneer cubes
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili powder (approx. 1g)
• 0.25 teaspoon cumin powder (approx. 1g)
• 0.25 teaspoon garam masala powder (approx. 1g)
• 1.5 tablespoons pizza sauce (approx. 30ml)
• Mozzarella cheese (as needed)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things can really elevate this pizza:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Don’t be intimidated by whole wheat! It gives the crust a lovely nutty flavor and a fantastic texture. It’s also way more filling and nutritious.
• Garam Masala: This is the heart of the Indian flavor. It’s a warm, aromatic spice blend that you can find at most grocery stores or online. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own!
• Fresh Curd/Yogurt: Using fresh curd (dahi) is key for marinating the paneer and veggies. It tenderizes everything beautifully and adds a lovely tang. Greek yogurt works well too, if you can’t find fresh curd.
• Pizza Sauce: Feel free to use store-bought, but honestly, a quick homemade pizza sauce takes this to the next level. It’s so easy to whip up with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This means the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Add the whole wheat flour, olive oil, salt, and lemon juice to the yeast mixture.
3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky, but not overly so.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. Patience is key here!
5. Marinate the Paneer & Veggies: While the dough is rising, combine the paneer, onions, bell peppers, and spinach in a bowl.
6. Add the curd, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
7. Let this marinate for 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Assemble the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F).
9. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into your desired pizza base shape.
10. Place the dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Poke holes all over the base with a fork – this prevents it from puffing up too much.
11. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base.
12. Layer the marinated paneer and veggies on top of the sauce.
13. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
14. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Garnish with chili flakes and oregano before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overwork the dough! Overkneading can make it tough.
• Make sure your oven is properly preheated for a crispy crust.
• If you want a really cheesy pizza, add a layer of cheese under the veggies too!

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Vegan Option: Swap the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative and use plant-based yogurt for the marinade.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add more or less red chili powder to control the heat. My friend loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Festival Adaptations: During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can skip the onions and garlic and use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this paneer pizza hot and fresh! It’s delicious on its own, or with a side salad. A cooling raita (yogurt dip) also complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet for the best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

You can, but the texture and nutritional value will be different. Whole wheat flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and more fiber.

2. What is garam masala and where can I find it?

Garam masala is a blend of warming spices commonly used in Indian cuisine. You can find it in most grocery stores in the spice aisle, or online.

3. Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

4. How can I adjust the spice level of this pizza?

Simply adjust the amount of red chili powder. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

5. What’s the best way to prevent the pizza base from becoming soggy?

Poke holes in the dough with a fork before adding the sauce and toppings. This allows steam to escape and keeps the crust crispy.

6. Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?

Yes! Grill the dough for a few minutes on each side, then add the toppings and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and bubbly.