Masala paneer flatbread pizza

Masala Paneer flatbread pizza is a fusion recipe that combines Indian and Mediterranean cuisines. The recipe is a favorite in our family as it brings together different textures, tastes, and flavors : The crispy base of pita flatbread, the smooth and creamy taste of hummus, the caramelized flavor of grilled veggies, spice and milky flavors from masala paneer with the added combination of sweet and sour tastes from the chutneys added on top. This dish is ideal for lunch or dinner.  The recipe involves the following  steps:
  1. Prepare the masala paneer : This is a key step in the recipe which can determine the taste of the dish. Crumbled paneer is blended with an array of Indian spices in a frying pan.
  2. Grill the vegetables : Veggie like Onions, Jalapenos and bell peppers are roasted at high temperatures to get a caramelization 
  3. Prepare spicy hummus paste : Combine the store-bought hummus with Sriracha or any other type of red chili sauce and sour cream / thick curd
  4. Toasting the pita flatbread in a convection oven or on stovetop
  5. Prepare the greens - Mix arugula or mixed greens with olive oil, salt, pepper 
  6. Assemble the Masala Paneer flatbread pizza in the following order : 
      • Keep the pita flatbread on a flat surface
      • Coat the Pita flatbread with a thin layer of spicy hummus paste, 
      • Top it with a layer of greens, 
      • Spread a layer of masala paneer, 
      • Add the grilled veggies
      • Spread the chutneys on top ( Tamarind-date chutney and Mint-coriander chutney)
  7. Keep the assembled Masala Paneer flatbread pizza back in the convection oven for 3-4 minutes before serving
This dish is best enjoyed when freshly prepared. The greens are optional and you may skip them if you desire. The chutneys are available in any Indian grocery store or on amazon. 
Cooking Method , ,
Cuisine , ,
Courses ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Cook Time: 30 30 mins
Servings 5
Description

A fusion recipe that combines Indian and Mediterranean cuisines - Toasted Pita flatbread coated with spicy hummus dip and layered on top with masala paneer, chutneys, grilled veggies and greens

Ingredients
    Main Ingredients
  • 5 Pita Flatbread or Naan bread
    • Masala Paneer
  • 8 ounces Paneer / Cottage cheese (About 225 gms)
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chaat Masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Thick curd
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
    • Grilled vegetables
  • 1 Large onion
  • 1 Green Bell pepper
  • 1 Jalapeno (Deseeded)
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking oil
    • Spicy Hummus paste
  • 8 ounces Hummus
  • 2 teaspoons Red chili sauce (Sriracha)
  • 1 tablespoon Sour cream / thick curd
    • Greens (Optional)
  • 3 cups Arugula or mixed greens
  • 2 teaspoons Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
    • Chutneys
  • 3 tablespoons Tamarind and Date Chutney
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander-mint chutney
Instructions
  1. Prepare the Masala Paneer
    1. Crumble the cottage cheese into coarse pieces
    2. Heat a frying pan. Add the cooking oil
    3. When the oil is slightly hot, add the ginger garlic paste and keep stirring for about 30 seconds
    4. When the raw smell of ginger and garlic is gone, lower the heat
    5. Now add all spices and mix well
    6. Add the curd and salt and stir in to mix the spices in the curd
    7. Add the crumbled Paneer and mix well. Check the taste for spice and salt levels.
    8. Mix in the chopped cilantro

     

     

  2. Frying the vegetables
    1. Cut all veggies into thin slices 
    2. Keep a frying pan on high heat. The high heat is necessary to develop a caramelization on the veggies
    3. When the pan is hot, add sliced onions and 1/3rd the oil.
    4. Stir every 30 seconds until the onions are slightly caramelized 
    5. Remove the onions to a plate
    6. Similarly, fry the bell pepper and jalapenos separately
  3. Prepare spicy hummus paste

    Combine the store-bought hummus with Sriracha or any other type of red chili sauce and sour cream / thick curd

  4. Prepare the greens

    Mix arugula or mixed greens with olive oil, salt, pepper 

  5. Serving

    The recipe is for a serving size of 5. Hence divide all the ingredients into 5 portions before you start to assemble the Masala paneer flatbread pizza.

     

    1. Toast the pita flatbread in a convection oven or on stove top until the flatbread base is lightly crispy
    2. Assemble the Masala Paneer flatbread pizza in the following order : 
    3. Keep the pita flatbread on a flat surface
    4. Coat the Pita flatbread with a thin layer of spicy hummus paste, 
    5. Top it with a layer of greens, 
    6. Spread a layer of masala paneer, 
    7. Add the grilled veggies
    8. Spread the chutneys on top ( Tamarind-date chutney and Mint-coriander chutney)
    9. Keep the assembled Masala Paneer flatbread pizza back in the convection oven for 3-4 minutes before serving
Keywords: pita, naan, Flatbread, paneer, masala, fusion, cottage cheese,
Read it online: https://www.mellowmasala.com/recipe/masala-paneer-flatbread-pizza/
Vinay Mummigatti

I love traveling, cooking, and reading. This blog is a reflection of my passion for cooking. Food is a representation of culture and I have tried to assimilate foods from different cultures across the world. I am an Indian by birth who moved to the USA 20 years back. I hope my recipes and articles bring new experiences and joy to the readers. Please share your comments and feedback.