Caprese Pizza with a Malaysian Indian Twist

Ingredients

In this Malaysian Indian adaptation of Caprese Pizza, the traditional Italian ingredients are transformed to incorporate the flavors of Malaysian Indian cuisine. The tomato sauce is infused with Malaysian Indian spices, the mozzarella cheese is replaced with paneer, and the addition of fresh basil adds a touch of freshness to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Caprese Pizza, so you can check it out.

• 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup (200g) paneer, crumbled 1 cup (200g) paneer, crumbled
• Handful of fresh basil leaves Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat) Red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
4. 4.
   Spread the spiced tomato sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the crumbled paneer over the sauce.
6. 6.
   Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
8. 8.
   If desired, sprinkle red chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.
9. 9.
   Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Paneer — To enhance the flavor of paneer, you can marinate it in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of turmeric for 30 minutes before crumbling it onto the pizza.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add finely chopped green chilies to the tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different Malaysian Indian spices like garam masala or curry powder to customize the flavor profile.
• If you prefer a thicker crust, let the pizza dough rise for a longer period of time before rolling it out.
• Serve the pizza with a side of cooling raita or mint chutney to balance the spiciness.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Masala Caprese Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delicious appetizer for gatherings and parties.

Presentation advice

Garnish the pizza with a sprinkle of red chili flakes and a few fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it on a wooden pizza board or a vibrant platter to make it visually appealing.