Punjabi-Style Tandoori Pizza

Ingredients

In this Punjabi adaptation of Quad City-Style Pizza, the traditional pizza crust is replaced with a tandoori-infused crust. The toppings are also modified to include tandoori chicken, paneer, and Punjabi spices, giving the pizza a distinct Punjabi flavor profile. Additionally, the pizza is garnished with fresh cilantro and served with mint chutney, adding a touch of traditional Punjabi freshness and tanginess. We alse have the original recipe for Quad City-Style Pizza, so you can check it out.

• For the tandoori crust: For the tandoori crust:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Punjabi tandoori masala 1 tablespoon Punjabi tandoori masala
• 1/2 cup (120ml) plain yogurt 1/2 cup (120ml) plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the toppings: For the toppings:
• 1 cup (150g) tandoori chicken, cooked and shredded 1 cup (150g) tandoori chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup (150g) paneer, cubed 1 cup (150g) paneer, cubed
• 1/2 cup (75g) bell peppers, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) onions, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (75g) onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• For the mint chutney: For the mint chutney:
• 1 cup (30g) fresh mint leaves 1 cup (30g) fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup (15g) fresh cilantro leaves 1/2 cup (15g) fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 green chili, seeded 1 green chili, seeded
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the tandoor or oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and Punjabi tandoori masala for the crust.
3. 3.
   Add the plain yogurt, water, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
6. 6.
   Place the rolled dough circles on a baking sheet or tandoor tray.
7. 7.
   Top the dough circles with tandoori chicken, paneer, bell peppers, onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated tandoor or oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   While the pizza is baking, prepare the mint chutney by blending together the mint leaves, cilantro leaves, green chili, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
10. 10.
    Once the pizza is cooked, remove from the tandoor or oven and garnish with fresh cilantro.
11. 11.
    Serve the Punjabi-Style Tandoori Pizza hot with a side of mint chutney.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tandoori chicken — Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before using it as a topping.
• Paneer — Cut the paneer into small cubes to ensure even distribution on the pizza.
• Punjabi tandoori masala — Use a good quality store-bought masala or prepare your own by combining spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala.

Tips & Tricks

• If you don't have a tandoor, you can use a preheated oven to bake the pizza.
• Experiment with different toppings like sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, or even spicy Punjabi sausage for added flavor.
• For a spicier kick, sprinkle some red chili flakes on top before baking.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the rolled dough circles with melted butter before adding the toppings.
• Serve the pizza with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) for a refreshing contrast.

Serving advice

Serve the Punjabi-Style Tandoori Pizza hot, straight from the tandoor or oven. Cut it into slices and enjoy it as a main course or as a delicious appetizer for gatherings and parties.

Presentation advice

Present the Punjabi-Style Tandoori Pizza on a wooden board or pizza stone to enhance its rustic appeal. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with a side of mint chutney in a small bowl for dipping.