Pizza Paratha, or Roti Pizza, is a delicious fusion dish combining the best of two worlds: the crispy, cheesy goodness of pizza and the soft, comforting texture of paratha (Indian flatbread). This quick and easy recipe is perfect for satisfying your pizza cravings with a twist. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Pizza Paratha is a great way to use up leftover chapati or paratha while treating yourself to something flavorful and cheesy.
Here’s how to make this deliciously satisfying dish:
Ingredients:
For the Paratha (Roti):
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (optional, for color)
- Water, as required
- 1 tbsp oil or ghee
- Ghee or oil, for cooking
For the Pizza Topping:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (you can mix it with cheddar for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 2 tbsp sweet corn (optional)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- A pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnishing (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Paratha (Roti):
- In a bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, salt, and turmeric powder (if using). Gradually add water to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin circle (similar to a regular paratha) using a rolling pin.
2. Cook the Paratha:
- Heat a tawa or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with ghee or oil.
- Place the rolled-out paratha onto the hot tawa. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you see small bubbles forming on the surface.
- Flip the paratha and cook the other side for about 1 minute. Apply ghee or oil on both sides and cook until golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the tawa and set aside.
3. Prepare the Pizza Topping:
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the top of the cooked paratha.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Top it with chopped onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and sweet corn.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, red chili flakes, and salt to taste.
4. Cook the Pizza Paratha:
- Place the pizza-loaded paratha back onto the tawa or skillet over low-medium heat.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the toppings to cook.
- Once the cheese has melted and is bubbly, remove from the heat.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately while hot.
- Slice into wedges, just like a pizza, and enjoy the fusion of flavors!
Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza Paratha:
- Customization: You can add any toppings you like to suit your taste. Mushrooms, olives, or even cooked chicken make great additions.
- Cheese: For a richer taste, you can use a combination of different cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or even cream cheese.
- Spice It Up: Add a bit of chili powder or hot sauce to the pizza sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Leftover Parathas: If you have leftover parathas, this is a great way to repurpose them into a new dish.
- Serving Ideas: Pizza Paratha pairs wonderfully with a side of raita or a refreshing cucumber salad for balance.
Conclusion:
Pizza Paratha is an inventive way to enjoy the flavors of pizza while sticking to traditional Indian ingredients. The combination of crispy paratha with gooey cheese and fresh toppings is bound to win over both pizza lovers and those who enjoy Indian breads. This quick, customizable dish can easily be adapted to fit various preferences and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Give this easy recipe a try and bring the best of both worlds to your plate!
