Description
Schezwan Paneer Pizza is a delicious fusion dish combining the spicy, flavorful Schezwan sauce with soft paneer cubes atop a crispy pizza crust. This Indo-Chinese inspired recipe uses a mix of fresh vegetables, tangy tomato ketchup, and melted mozzarella cheese to create a mouthwatering pizza that’s perfect for a quick meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Base and Sauce
- 1 prepared pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup Schezwan sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
Paneer Mixture
- 1 cup paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cubed
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup sweet corn (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (for garnish)
- fresh cilantro or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pizza, which helps achieve a crispy crust and melted cheese.
- Sauté Paneer: In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic paste and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the paneer cubes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly browned. Stir in the soy sauce and chili flakes, tossing to coat evenly, and cook for another minute. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Schezwan sauce with tomato ketchup to balance the spice with a tangy sweetness. Mix well until smooth.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the Schezwan-ketchup sauce evenly over the pizza crust. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Arrange the sautéed paneer cubes, sliced bell peppers, red onions, and sweet corn evenly on top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese to cover the toppings.
- Bake Pizza: Place the assembled pizza on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the crust has crisped to a golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle dried oregano and extra chili flakes over the top for added flavor and heat. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or basil if desired. Slice and serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute pizza crust with naan or flatbread for a quick personal pizza option.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Schezwan sauce used.
- For more intense flavor, marinate paneer cubes with soy sauce, chili flakes, and garlic paste ahead of time before sautéing.
