Why Make This Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pizza brings a delightful twist to your traditional pizza experience. This recipe incorporates paneer, a popular Indian cheese, along with an array of fresh vegetables and spices, creating a unique fusion of flavors. Perfect for cheese lovers and a great way to sneak in some nutritious ingredients, this pizza is not only visually appealing but also packed with taste. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza

Making Cottage Cheese Pizza is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. Follow these detailed steps to recreate this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients:

450 grams – (around 3 cups Bread flour or all-purpose flour)
2 tsp – Instant Yeast
1 tbsp – Sugar
1 teaspoon – Salt
1 1/3 cup – (around 300 ml) warm water (Refer notes)
2 tablespoons – Extra virgin Olive oil
250 grams – Paneer cubes
1 cup – Red Bell Peppers, chopped into cubes
1 cup – Green Bell Pepper, chopped into cubes
1/2 cup – Onion, chopped into cubes
1/2 teaspoon – Ginger
½ teaspoon – Garlic
1 1/2 teaspoon – Chili powder
1 teaspoon – Garam masala
1 teaspoon – Coriander powder
½ teaspoon – Cumin Powder
1 tsp Salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon Turmeric powder
1 teaspoon – Kasuri Methi
1 tablespoon – Olive oil
1 1/2 cups Marinara sauce (use good quality)
½ cup onion, chopped
½ tablespoon grated garlic
3 tablespoon cashew nuts
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon kasuri methi
1 teaspoon chili flakes (use more if you want it spicy)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 tablespoon Maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
2 cups – Mozzarella cheese
Finely chopped cilantro for garnishing

Directions:

For Pizza Crust: In a bowl, mix the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Paneer Marination: In a bowl, combine the paneer cubes, red and green bell peppers, onion, ginger, garlic, chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, turmeric powder, and kasuri methi. Gently fold to coat the paneer and vegetables well. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
For Sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and grated garlic until translucent. Add cashew nuts, garam masala, kasuri methi, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce and maple syrup, then let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust salt to taste.
Assemble: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking tray. Spread the sauce evenly over the crust, add the marinated paneer and vegetables, then top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pizza

Serve Cottage Cheese Pizza hot out of the oven, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. Pair it with a side of salad or dipping sauces for added flavor. Slices can be enjoyed on their own or with a drizzle of olive oil or hot sauce for some extra kick.

How to Store Cottage Cheese Pizza

To store any leftovers, allow the pizza to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the slices. Reheat in an oven or skillet for the best results.

Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza

Use quality mozzarella cheese for better melting and flavor.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or availability.
For a crunchier crust, pre-bake the pizza dough for about 5 minutes before adding the toppings.

Variation

Try substituting paneer with tofu for a dairy-free version. You can also explore different sauces, such as pesto or a spicy Sriracha blend, to completely change the flavor profile of the pizza.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead?
Yes, using pre-made pizza dough can save time. Just follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or even chicken for added protein.

How can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure that the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free as well.