Description
Schezwan Paneer Pizza is a vibrant fusion dish combining the bold, spicy flavors of Schezwan sauce with the creamy goodness of paneer atop a crispy baked pizza crust. Topped with fresh vegetables, a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and aromatic herbs, this pizza offers a perfect balance of heat and savory taste. Ideal for those who love an Indo-Chinese twist on classic pizza, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a delicious meal that serves 2-3 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/4 cup Schezwan sauce
- 1/2 cup paneer, cubed
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Cheese
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or the highest setting if you are using a pizza stone to ensure a crisp crust.
- Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, roll it out on a floured surface into a 10-12 inch round shape. Transfer the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone for baking.
- Oil the Dough: Lightly brush the pizza dough with olive oil. This step helps prevent sogginess and adds flavor to the crust.
- Spread the Sauce: Evenly spread the Schezwan sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form a crust.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the cubed paneer, thinly sliced onion, bell pepper, and optional sweet corn over the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to enhance the flavors.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the toppings to ensure a melty, cheesy finish.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles and melts beautifully.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the pizza from the oven. If you like extra heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve hot. Pair with additional Schezwan sauce or a cooling dip like raita for a perfect balance.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought pizza dough depending on your convenience.
- Adjust the amount of Schezwan sauce and chili flakes to control the spice level.
- For a crispier base, use a pizza stone if available.
- Sweet corn is optional but adds a nice sweetness that balances the spice.
- If paneer is unavailable, firm tofu can be used as a substitute for a vegan option.
- Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from sliding off.
