Paneer Tikka Pizza Recipe- Authentic Indian Flavors & Kasuri Methi

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Paneer Tikka Pizza Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors & Kasuri Methi

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good pizza night. But sometimes, you crave something a little… different. Something with a bit of a kick, a little bit of spice, and a whole lot of flavor. That’s where this Paneer Tikka Pizza comes in! It’s a fusion dream – all the comfort of pizza, but bursting with the incredible tastes of India. I first made this for a potluck with friends, and it was gone in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pepperoni pizza. We’re talking tender paneer marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, layered on a perfectly crisp pizza base, and finished with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. The secret ingredient? Kasuri methi! It adds this amazing, almost smoky aroma that takes everything to the next level. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce your friends and family to the wonderful world of Indian flavors.

Ingredients

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

• ?? cup water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dry yeast
• 2 cup maida / plain flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ?? tsp salt
• ?? cup curd / yogurt
• ?? tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
• ?? tsp turmeric
• ?? tsp coriander powder
• ?? tsp cumin powder
• ?? tsp garam masala
• ?? tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ?? cup capsicum (red & green)
• ?? cup onion
• 15 paneer cubes
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ?? tsp kasuri methi
• 3 tbsp pizza sauce
• ?? cup mozzarella cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few of these might be new to you, so here’s a little breakdown:

• Kasuri Methi: This dried fenugreek leaf is essential for that authentic Indian flavor. It has a slightly bitter, smoky taste that’s just incredible. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online. Don’t skip it!
• Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: This isn’t about heat, it’s about color! It gives the marinade a beautiful vibrant red hue and a mild, fruity flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular chilli powder, but reduce the quantity to avoid making it too spicy.
• Maida/Plain Flour: Maida is the Indian equivalent of all-purpose flour. If you can’t find it, regular plain flour works perfectly well. Different regions in India also use wheat flour (atta) for pizza bases, giving it a slightly rustic texture. Feel free to experiment!
• Olive Oil: While traditionally Indian cooking uses mustard oil or ghee, olive oil works beautifully in the pizza dough and marinade, offering a lighter flavor profile that complements the spices.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s activate the yeast. In a cup, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle in the dry yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it gets nice and frothy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to go!
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and start mixing. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover it with cling wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here!
4. While the dough is rising, let’s make the paneer tikka marinade. In a separate bowl, mix together the curd, Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, ginger garlic paste, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt.
5. Add the paneer cubes, chopped capsicum, and onions to the marinade. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kasuri methi. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the paneer and veggies are well coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
6. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions.
7. On a lightly floured surface, stretch each portion of dough into a pizza base. Transfer them to baking trays dusted with flour. Prick the dough all over with a fork – this prevents it from puffing up too much.
8. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the bases. Top with the marinated paneer mixture, sliced jalapeños (if you like it spicy!), olives, chili flakes, and your favorite herbs.
9. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
11. Garnish with a sprinkle of oregano and chili flakes before serving. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overwork the dough! Overkneading can result in a tough pizza base.
• Marinating the paneer for longer will result in a more flavorful pizza.
• If you don’t have a pizza stone, a baking tray works just fine.
• Keep a close eye on the pizza while it’s baking, as ovens can vary.

Variations

• Vegan: Swap the paneer for tofu and use a plant-based yogurt and mozzarella alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the pizza dough.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Kashmiri chilli powder and jalapeños to your liking. My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Festival Adaptations: This pizza is perfect as a festive snack during Diwali or Holi. It’s a fun and flavorful alternative to traditional sweets.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Paneer Tikka Pizza hot and fresh, with a side of mint chutney or a simple green salad. It’s also delicious with a refreshing glass of lassi.

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 best results.

FAQs

1. Can I make the paneer tikka marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors develop even more.

2. What type of flour is best for this pizza dough?

Maida (plain flour) works great, but you can also use all-purpose flour or even a mix of wheat flour for a more rustic texture.

3. Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.

4. How can I adjust the spice level of the paneer tikka?

Reduce the amount of Kashmiri chilli powder and jalapeños. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.

5. What is Kasuri Methi and where can I find it?

Kasuri methi is dried fenugreek leaves. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online. It’s a key ingredient for that authentic Indian flavor!

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

Yes, you can! Grill the pizza base for a few minutes on each side, then top with the marinade and cheese and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and bubbly.