Hey there, food enthusiasts! Arya Mishra here, ready to take you on a culinary adventure with my Tandoori Fusion Delight: Butter Chicken Pizza recipe. Get ready to indulge in the mouthwatering fusion of vibrant Indian flavors and the comforting goodness of pizza. This recipe is a match made in heaven for those seeking a unique and unforgettable taste experience. With a luscious butter chicken sauce, marinated chicken pieces, and a sprinkle of gooey mozzarella cheese, this pizza is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Arya Mishra is a food lover and creative cook, with a passion for blending different culinary traditions and flavors. Born and raised in a small coastal town in India, she grew up surrounded by the aromas and flavors of authentic Indian cuisine. Arya loves experimenting with different recipes, combining her cultural roots with global influences. When she’s not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, you can find her exploring new hiking trails or immersing herself in a good book.
Arya Mishra currently resides in the United States and grew up in India.
Growing up in a small coastal town in India, I was surrounded by the rich aromas and flavors of authentic Indian cuisine. Indian food holds a special place in my heart, and that’s why I love to infuse my recipes with the spices and techniques that I learned from my heritage. The Tandoori Fusion Delight: Butter Chicken Pizza is a perfect example of how I blend my cultural roots with global influences. By combining the traditional flavors of Indian butter chicken with the beloved comfort food, pizza, I aim to create a dish that celebrates the best of both worlds.
The origins of butter chicken can be traced back to the vibrant streets of Delhi, India. Legend has it that this iconic dish was accidentally created by a restaurant chef who wanted to salvage leftover chicken by cooking it in a rich tomato-based gravy. Little did he know that this improvisation would give birth to one of India’s most beloved dishes. Butter chicken soon gained popularity, spreading its finger-licking deliciousness across the globe. And now, I bring you the Tandoori Fusion Delight: Butter Chicken Pizza, adding an exciting twist to this classic recipe. So grab your apron and get ready to savor the delicious marriage of Indian and Italian flavors!
What you need
Get ready to embark on a taste journey like no other with my Tandoori Fusion Delight: Butter Chicken Pizza recipe! Combining the vibrant flavors of Indian butter chicken with the classic comfort of pizza, this indulgent creation is a next-level culinary adventure. Picture a crispy crust topped with a luscious butter chicken sauce, marinated chicken pieces, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. And let’s not forget the star of the show – the aromatic fresh cilantro, adding a burst of freshness. Are you ready? We begin by preparing the pizza dough, whether store-bought or homemade with a hint of spices. Then, the chicken gets a yogurt-based marinade to infuse it with maximum flavor. As the pizza stone heats up or the Ooni pizza oven preheats, it’s time to roll out the dough and assemble our masterpiece. Into the hot oven it goes, and in a matter of minutes, we’re rewarded with a golden-brown crust, bubbling cheese, and mouthwatering aromas wafting through the kitchen. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, and our Tandoori Fusion Delight is now ready to be devoured. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this tasty twist that brings together the best of Indian and Italian flavors. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to pizza obsession!
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough – The base of the pizza, providing the structure and texture. You can use store-bought dough or make your own using a mix of all-purpose flour, water, yeast, and salt.
- Butter chicken sauce – The star of the recipe, bringing the rich and tangy flavors of butter chicken to the pizza. You can make your own sauce by combining tomato puree, butter, cream, spices like garam masala, turmeric, and fenugreek leaves, or use a store-bought jar of sauce.
- Boneless chicken – Tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, which add a protein element to the pizza. Substitute with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Mozzarella cheese – The classic cheese choice for pizza, providing gooey and melty goodness. You can use any other type of cheese like cheddar, gouda, or a combination of cheeses.
- Red onion – Adds a slight sharpness and crunch to the pizza. You can swap with white or yellow onion if preferred.
- Fresh cilantro – Fresh herbs that enhance the flavors of the pizza and add a pop of green color. Substitute with mint or basil if desired.
- Lemon wedges – Served as a garnish, squeezing some lemon juice adds a tangy element to the pizza.
Utensils:
- Pizza stone or Ooni pizza oven – A pizza stone is recommended for baking the pizza to achieve a crispy crust. Alternatively, you can use an Ooni pizza oven for authentic wood-fired flavors.
- Rolling pin – Used to roll out the pizza dough to the desired thickness. If you prefer a thinner crust, you can skip this and use your hands to stretch the dough.
- Pizza peel – Helps transfer the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or into the Ooni pizza oven. If you don’t have a pizza peel, you can use the backside of a baking sheet as a makeshift peel.
- Knife – Used for slicing the chicken, onion, and cilantro. A sharp chef’s knife is recommended.
- Cutting board – To provide a clean and hygienic surface for cutting the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Used to accurately measure the ingredients for the pizza dough and the butter chicken sauce.
- Mixing bowls – For marinating the chicken and mixing the butter chicken sauce.
- Spatula – To flip and remove the pizza from the pizza stone or Ooni pizza oven.
Butter Chicken Sauce – A Flavorful Twist
Ah, the heavenly butter chicken sauce! This creamy and tangy concoction brings an explosion of flavors to your taste buds. Made with a combination of tomato puree, butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, and fenugreek leaves, it’s no wonder butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish. Aside from its deliciousness, this sauce is interesting because it adds a unique twist to the classic pizza. While it may not be the healthiest option due to the richness of the butter and cream, a little indulgence now and then is worth it. The butter chicken sauce adds a touch of decadence and richness to the pizza, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a delightful departure from the usual tomato sauce, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Don’t worry about the popularity of the butter chicken sauce on pizza – this fusion creation brings out the best of both worlds and creates a delightful taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
Fresh Cilantro – A Burst of Freshness
Let’s talk about fresh cilantro, shall we? This vibrant herb, with its bright green leaves and refreshing aroma, is a game changer in any dish. Whether you love it or hate it (yes, I know, it’s a polarizing herb), there’s no denying the unique and unmistakable flavor it brings to the table. Cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a touch of citrusy undertones to the pizza. It complements the rich and bold flavors of the butter chicken sauce beautifully, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Fun fact: cilantro is not only delicious but also has some health benefits. It is packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals. So, not only does it taste great, but it’s also good for you! Now, I know there are some cilantro skeptics out there, but trust me when I say that in this recipe, cilantro takes the pizza to a whole new level. Even if you’re not a cilantro lover, I urge you to give it a try. You might just become a convert!
What to serve it with?
One thing I absolutely love about my Tandoori Fusion Delight: Butter Chicken Pizza is its versatility when it comes to serving options. While this pizza is certainly a meal in itself, I highly recommend pairing it with a side of refreshing cucumber and mint raita. The cool and creamy raita acts as a perfect complement to the bold spices and flavors of the pizza. As a proud Indian, raita holds a special place in my heart as it is a staple in Indian cuisine. The combination of yogurt, cucumber, and mint not only adds a burst of freshness to the meal but also helps to balance out the richness of the pizza. Trust me, this dynamic duo of Tandoori Fusion Delight: Butter Chicken Pizza and cucumber and mint raita will take your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey that you won’t soon forget!
Summary
And there you have it, my fellow food lovers – the tantalizing Tandoori Fusion Delight: Butter Chicken Pizza! I hope you’re as excited as I am about this unique culinary creation that seamlessly combines the best of Indian and Italian cuisines. Now it’s your turn to join in on the fun! I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this recipe. Have you ever tried a fusion dish that surprised your taste buds? Share your stories and let’s start a conversation in the comments below! And remember, don’t be shy to put your own spin on this recipe – cooking is all about unleashing your creativity and making dishes your own. Until next time, happy cooking and bon appétit!
Here’s the recipe:
Tandoori Fusion Delight: Butter Chicken Pizza
Equipment
- Pizza stone or Ooni pizza oven
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza Peel
- Knife
- cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ball Pizza dough
- 1 cup Butter chicken sauce
- 300 grams Boneless chicken
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1 Red onion
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro
- 4 Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the pizza dough - If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions to bring it to room temperature. If making your own dough, combine all-purpose flour, water, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. - For a flavorful variation, you can add some spices like garlic powder, dried oregano, or chili flakes to the dough while kneading.
- Marinate the chicken - In a mixing bowl, combine boneless chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, for the flavors to develop. - For a vegetarian version, you can substitute chicken with paneer or tofu. Adjust the marinating time accordingly for the chosen substitute.
- Preheat and prepare the pizza oven - If using an Ooni pizza oven, preheat it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If using a pizza stone in a conventional oven, preheat the oven to its highest temperature (usually around 500°F or 260°C) and place the pizza stone on the middle rack. Allow the oven and pizza stone to preheat for at least 30 minutes to ensure a crisp crust. - For an extra smoky flavor, you can add some wood chips or chunks to the Ooni pizza oven.
- Roll out the dough and assemble the pizza - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into your desired shape and thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or the backside of a baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking. Spread a generous amount of butter chicken sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with marinated chicken, red onion slices, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. - For a crispier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for a few minutes on the hot pizza stone or in the Ooni pizza oven before adding the sauce and toppings.
- Bake the pizza - If using an Ooni pizza oven, carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone inside the oven. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If using a conventional oven, carefully slide the assembled pizza from the pizza peel onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. - Keep an eye on the pizza while baking to prevent any burning. Adjust the cooking time according to your oven and desired level of crust crispness.
- Garnish and serve - Once the pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and squeeze some lemon juice for an extra tangy kick. Slice the pizza and serve hot as a delicious fusion delight to be enjoyed! - Feel free to garnish with additional toppings like chopped green chilies, sliced bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for added freshness and flavor.
