Tandoori Paneer Pizza

I love the tandoori paneer pizzas (or Paneer Tikka Pizzas) you get in India... In a way I'm glad that fast food joints here don't offer a good variety for vegetarians unlike India or I'd have a tough time controlling myself. The paneer burgers, wraps and pizzas are sure to throw me off track :) Nevertheless I was craving these pizzas and so set about making them.

These are great for entertaining because you can make each of the components ahead of time and just assemble and pop into the oven for about 15-20 minutes just before your guests arrive and hot pizza is ready to eat in no time.

TANDOORI PANEER PIZZA

Ingredients:

For Tandoori Paneer:

Paneer - 250gm, cubed (I used the one made at home with 2% milk)

Ginger - 1/2 inch piece

Garlic - 2-3 cloves, peeled

Green Chillies - 2-3

Thick Yogurt - 1 to 2 tbsp

Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp

Tandoori Masala - 1/2 tsp (optional)

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Orange food colouring - 2 drops (I didn't use it)

Salt to taste

For Tomato Sauce: [or use Store bought Pasta Sauce]
Olive oil - 1 tbsp
Garlic - 3 cloves, chopped
Onion - 1 medium, chopped
Diced Tomatoes (canned) - 1/2 cup with some of the juice
Italian herbs - a pinch
Chilli powder or red chilli flakes - about 1/2 tsp or more to taste
Salt

For the Pizza:

Pizza Crust - 2 (storebought or home-made)

Red Onion - 1 big, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes

Green Bell Pepper - 1, cut into 1 inch cubes

Red Bell Pepper - 1 medium, cut into 1 inch pieces

Oil - 1 tsp

Salt, to taste

Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves - 1/4 cup, chopped

Mozzarella cheese - 1 cup, shredded (I used part-skim)

Method:

1) For the Tandoori Paneer: Grind all the ingredients except Paneer and mix it well with the paneer pieces so it coats well. Now let this marinate overnight in the fridge or atleast for a few hours.

2) For the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil and add the chopped garlic and onions. When the onions soften and brown a bit, add the diced tomatoes, herbs, chilli powder and salt. Add little water, if needed and let this simmer until thick.

3) For the Other Toppings: Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan and add the onions and bell peppers with some salt and chilli powder. Saute this on for a few minutes till the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4) For the Final Assembly: Brush the crust with some olive oil. Spread the thick Tomato sauce. Now place the marinated paneer pieces and sprinkle the onion-bell pepper mixture over the crust. Finally top with the shredded cheese and pop into the oven at 400F for about 15-20 minutes (depending on the type of pizza crust used).

5) When done, top with some of the chopped coriander leaves, wait 5 minutes before slicing and serving.