Achari Paneer Pizza combines the tangy flavors of spicy Indian pickles with paneer (Indian cottage cheese). It features marinated paneer, onions, and bell peppers atop a spicy and tangy base. The key steps involve marinating the paneer in yogurt and pickle spices, spreading a pizza sauce infused with pickle spices, and baking it at high heat (200–220°C) for 10–15 minutes.
**Ingredients**
**Paneer and Marinade:**
200g Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
3 tbsp Thick yogurt (Greek yogurt)
1.5 tbsp Achari Masala (pickle spice blend) or paste
1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste
*Optional:* 1 tsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves), Mustard oil, Coriander powder
**Pizza Assembly:**
1 Pizza base/dough
¼ cup Pizza sauce mixed with 1 tsp Achari Masala
1 cup Grated Mozzarella cheese
Sliced onions and bell peppers
Fresh green coriander for garnish
**Instructions**
**Marinate the Paneer:** In a bowl, combine the yogurt, Achari Masala, ginger-garlic paste, and other spices. Add the paneer cubes and mix well to coat. Refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes.
**Prepare the Dough:** Preheat the oven to 200°C–220°C (400°F–430°F). Roll out the pizza dough or prepare the pizza base.
**Assemble:**
Spread the Achari-pizza sauce mixture over the base.
Sprinkle a layer of cheese.
Top with the marinated paneer cubes, sliced onions, and bell peppers.
Add another layer of cheese. Bake: Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and started to bubble, and the crust turns golden brown.
Before serving, garnish with fresh coriander and, if desired, red chili flakes.
Cooking Tips
Type of Pickle: For the best flavor, use mixed pickle or mango pickle masala.
Smoky Flavor: Before adding the paneer pieces to the pizza, sear them in a pan for 2 minutes; this will impart a smoky flavor to the pizza.