🍕 A Desi Twist to Your Favorite Pizza
Pizza has gone global—but what happens when it meets Indian flavors? You get Tawa Paneer Pizza, a street-style, stovetop version that combines the best of both worlds: Italian technique with Indian spice. This version doesn’t need any oven or fancy equipment, just a flat tawa (skillet), and you’re good to go.
Growing up, many Indian households didn’t own ovens. So, we turned to our trusty iron tawas and gas stoves to whip up everything from naans to kulchas—and now, pizza! This recipe is inspired by street food vendors and home cooks who took pizza and made it desi, flavorful, and accessible.
⭐ What Makes This Tawa Paneer Pizza Special?
- No oven required – Made entirely on a stove!
- Spiced Indian paneer toppings – A perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and crunchy.
- Budget-friendly and simple ingredients – Mostly pantry staples.
- Customizable – Adjust toppings and spice levels to your taste.
- Kid-friendly, party-perfect, and easy enough for beginners.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy movie night, an impromptu gathering, or just a snack craving, this tawa pizza will blow your mind.
🕒 Recipe Summary at a Glance
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Dough Resting Time | 90 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 6 minutes per pizza |
| Total Time | ~1 hour 45 minutes |
| Servings | 3 medium pizzas |
| Calories | ~280 kcal per slice (varies with toppings) |
🧂 Ingredients for Tawa Paneer Pizza
Dough (Makes 3 medium pizzas)
- 225g water
- 6g salt
- 2g instant yeast
- 6g oil
- 320g all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup extra water (if needed)
- ¼ cup extra flour for rolling and dusting
Toppings
- 2 tablespoon curd (thick dahi or hung curd preferred)
- 2 teaspoon peri peri masala
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pizza seasoning
- 1 capsicum, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 200g paneer, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup boiled sweet corn
- 200g mozzarella cheese, grated
Quick Pizza Sauce
- ¼ cup tomato ketchup
- 2 teaspoon pizza seasoning
📝 Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
🍞 Step 1: Dough Preparation
Making dough from scratch may sound daunting, but this simple version is beginner-friendly.
- In a mixing bowl, add 225g lukewarm water, 6g salt, 2g instant yeast, and 6g oil.
- Add 320g all-purpose flour and stir with a spatula until it begins to come together.
- Knead lightly with your hands until all the dry flour is incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or cling wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
💡 Lukewarm water (not hot!) activates the yeast properly without killing it. You can check by dipping your finger—it should feel slightly warm, like baby bathwater.
🔁 Step 2: Stretch, Fold, and Rest
To develop gluten and improve dough texture:
- After 30 minutes, dip your fingers in water.
- Gently lift one side of the dough, stretch slightly, and fold over the center.
- Rotate the bowl and repeat on all sides.
- Let it rest again for another 30 minutes.
- Do one more stretch and fold cycle.
- Let the dough rest a final time for 30 more minutes.
🕒 Total dough resting: 90 minutes
🙌 This method replaces heavy kneading and results in a soft, elastic dough.
🌶️ Step 3: Marinate the Toppings
Here’s where the magic begins.
- In a bowl, combine:
- 2 tbsp curd
- 2 tsp peri peri masala
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pizza seasoning
- Add diced capsicum, onions, and paneer cubes to this marinade.
- Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
🌟 This step infuses the toppings with deep Indian spice notes that contrast beautifully with the cheese.
🍅 Step 4: Quick Pizza Sauce
Don’t have hours for simmering tomato sauce? This shortcut works like a charm!
- Mix ¼ cup tomato ketchup with 2 tsp pizza seasoning.
- Stir well and set aside.
🍕 It’s tangy, herby, and perfectly complements the paneer topping.
🔥 Step 5: Shaping and Cooking the Pizza on Tawa
- Once rested, divide dough into three equal portions.
- Roll out each portion into a medium-thick circle (not too thin!) using a rolling pin. Dust with dry flour as needed.
- Heat a tawa/skillet over medium flame and brush with oil.
- Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto the hot pan.
- Immediately spread the quick sauce over the base.
- Add grated mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the spicy paneer-veggie mix and sweet corn.
🧀 Be generous with the cheese for that stretchy melt!
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook on medium heat for 5–6 minutes or until:
- Cheese melts fully
- The base rises slightly and gets golden spots
🔥 If the base cooks too fast, lower the flame to avoid burning.
🍽️ Step 6: Slice, Garnish & Serve
Once cooked:
- Remove the pizza onto a board
- Slice into wedges
- Garnish with extra oregano or chili flakes if desired
- Serve hot with ketchup or garlic dip
🧄 Optional: Drizzle olive oil or chili oil on top before serving for added flavor.
🎨 Make It Your Own – Custom Variations
This recipe is flexible and fun! Try these ideas:
🌱 Veggie Supreme
Add mushrooms, black olives, jalapeños, and baby corn.
🔥 Desi Masala Paneer
Add tandoori masala or garam masala to the curd marinade for extra heat.
🌽 Cheese Burst Style
Stuff cheese into the edges of the rolled dough and seal the crust!
🌿 Healthy Swap
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a fiber-rich base.
🧊 Storage & Reheat Tips
✅ To Store:
- Let leftovers cool completely.
- Place slices in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
🔄 To Reheat:
- On tawa: Reheat on low heat with a lid for 3–4 mins.
- In microwave: Heat for 30–45 seconds.
- Avoid reheating in high flame to prevent hard crust.
📌 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with chili flakes, oregano, or chili oil drizzle.
- Pair with cold drinks like buttermilk, soda, or iced tea.
- Perfect for:
- Game nights
- Birthday parties
- Weekend treats
- Rainy day cravings
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use baking soda or Eno instead of yeast?
Yes! If you’re in a hurry, use ½ tsp baking soda or ½ tsp Eno with 1 tbsp curd. Skip the resting time and cook immediately.
Q2: My pizza base is too thick—what do I do?
Roll thinner next time, or press gently with a spatula during cooking to flatten slightly.
Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw completely before use.
Q4: Can I bake this in the oven instead of a tawa?
Yes, bake at 220°C (428°F) for 10–12 minutes on a preheated tray.
Q5: Can I make this vegan?
Sure! Use plant-based cheese and tofu instead of paneer. Use non-dairy curd for the marinade.
📹 Watch the Recipe in Action
🎥 [Watch on YouTube – Tawa Paneer Pizza by Bake With Neetu]
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💬 Final Thoughts: Pizza That Feels Like Home
Homemade pizza is always a treat—but when you infuse it with Indian flavors and make it right on your stovetop, it becomes something truly special. This Tawa Paneer Pizza is bold, cheesy, comforting, and deeply satisfying. It’s proof that with a little creativity, you don’t need fancy tools to make great food—just your hands, your stove, and your love for cooking.
So next time the pizza craving hits, ditch the delivery app. Get your tawa, roll some dough, and treat yourself to a cheesy, spicy slice of home-cooked joy.
📢 Let’s Get Social!
If you try this recipe, tag me on Instagram at @BakeWithNeetu. I’d love to see your tawa pizza creations!
📌 Pin this recipe for later, and don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts or questions.
