Description
Schezwan Paneer Pizza is a spicy, flavorful fusion dish combining the bold, tangy Schezwan sauce with soft paneer cubes, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza base. Perfect for those who crave a vibrant Indo-Chinese twist on a classic pizza, this recipe is easy to prepare and bake in your oven for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base and Sauce
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Schezwan sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup paneer, cubed
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels (optional)
Cheese
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
Garnish and Optional
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or the highest temperature possible, especially if using a pizza stone, to ensure a crispy base and perfectly melted cheese.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a round shape about 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it carefully onto a baking sheet or pizza stone for baking.
- Oil the Dough: Lightly brush the surface of the rolled-out dough with olive oil. This step prevents sogginess and adds a subtle flavor to the crust.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the Schezwan sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust when baked.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the cubed paneer, thinly sliced onion, bell pepper slices, and sweet corn kernels (if using) on top of the sauce layer. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and sprinkle the dried oregano for extra aroma and taste.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the toppings, ensuring good coverage for the perfect cheesy melt.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the prepared pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle chili flakes if you like it spicier, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into pieces and serve hot. Pair it with extra Schezwan sauce or a cooling dip such as raita for a perfectly balanced meal.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables according to your preference or seasonal availability.
- If you prefer a less spicy pizza, adjust the amount of Schezwan sauce and chili flakes accordingly.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crisper crust but is optional.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a vegan variant, substitute paneer and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
