Ragi & Maida Pizza Recipe – Easy Microwave Tava Pizza

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Ragi & Maida Pizza Recipe – Easy Microwave Tava Pizza

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a little twist on a classic that my family absolutely loves. We’re making a Ragi & Maida Pizza, and the best part? It’s super easy to make, even if you’re short on time. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some extra goodness from ragi into our diets!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average pizza. Combining ragi (finger millet) with maida (all-purpose flour) gives you a crust that’s both soft and has a lovely, slightly nutty flavor. And the fact that you can make it on a tava (griddle) or even in the microwave? Game changer! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend activity with the kids.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pizza:

• ½ cup Ragi Flour
• ½ cup Maida (All-Purpose Flour)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt – to taste
• 7 gm Instant Yeast (about 1 tsp)
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 cup Capsicum (Yellow, Red, Green) – chopped
• ½ Zucchini – sliced
• 2 tbsp Corn
• Homemade Pizza Sauce – as needed
• 1 cup Cheese (Mozzarella is great!) – shredded

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Ragi Flour: Health Benefits and Flavor Profile

Ragi is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s packed with calcium, iron, and fiber. It has a slightly earthy flavor that complements the pizza sauce and veggies beautifully. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Maida (All-Purpose Flour): Role in Texture

Maida helps give the crust that lovely chewiness we all love in a pizza. It binds everything together nicely. Don’t worry, the ragi balances it out!

Olive Oil: Choosing the Right Quality

A good quality olive oil adds a lovely flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is fantastic, but regular olive oil works just fine for this recipe.

Instant Yeast: Understanding Bloom and Activity

Instant yeast is super convenient – no need to “bloom” it in water first! Just make sure it’s not expired, or your dough won’t rise.

Homemade Pizza Sauce: A Flavorful Base

Honestly, homemade pizza sauce is SO much better than store-bought. It’s easy to make and you can customize the flavors to your liking. I usually add a pinch of oregano and garlic powder to mine.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. In a mixing bowl, sift together the ragi flour, maida, salt, and sugar. This helps get rid of any lumps.
2. Add the instant yeast to the bowl and mix well. Now, drizzle in the olive oil and start kneading the dough. You want a soft, pliable dough – not too sticky, not too dry.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean muslin cloth, and let it rest in a warm place until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour, but it depends on the temperature.
4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a thin square or circle – whatever shape you prefer!
5. Spread a generous layer of your homemade pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the sauce, then layer on your veggies – capsicum, zucchini, and corn. Finally, top with the remaining cheese.
7. Now, you have two options! You can either transfer the pizza onto a greased tava (griddle) and cook it over medium heat until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Or, you can pop it into the microwave.
8. For Microwave Cooking: Preheat your microwave using the “Healthy Heart” menu (option 15, if available). Once preheated, place the pizza on the lower rack and cook. After the first beep, move it to the upper rack and continue cooking until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is cooked through.
9. Remove from the tava or microwave, slice, and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-knead the dough, or it will become tough.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more maida, one tablespoon at a time.
• For a richer flavor, brush the crust with a little olive oil before adding the sauce.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Ragi & Maida Pizza

Swap the cheese for a vegan mozzarella alternative. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Gluten-Free Adaptation (Using Alternative Flours)

Ragi is naturally gluten-free, but maida isn’t. To make this completely gluten-free, substitute the maida with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Spice Level Adjustment: Adding Chili Flakes or Green Chilies

If you like a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over the pizza before baking, or add some finely chopped green chilies to the veggie topping.

Festival Adaptations: Pizza for Parties & Celebrations

During festivals, I love to make mini pizzas using this dough. They’re perfect for parties and everyone loves them!

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread. A sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of chili oil add a nice finishing touch.

Storage Instructions

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

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 let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

What if I don’t have a microwave with a “Healthy Heart” menu?

No problem! Just cook the pizza on medium power for a few minutes, checking it frequently to prevent burning.

Can I use different vegetables for the topping?

Definitely! Feel free to use any vegetables you like – onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers… the possibilities are endless!

How can I make the pizza crust crispier on a tava?

Cook the pizza on a medium-high heat and drizzle a little oil around the edges of the crust.

Is ragi flour gluten-free? What substitutions can I make for a completely gluten-free pizza?

Yes, ragi flour is naturally gluten-free. To make a completely gluten-free pizza, substitute the maida with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this Ragi & Maida Pizza. I hope it becomes a family favorite in your home too! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below.