Palak Paneer Naanza / Naan Pizza
Naan pizza / Naanza is a delicious variation of traditional pizza that uses naan bread as the crust instead of the typical pizza dough. It's a quick and easy option for those who want to enjoy homemade pizza without the effort of making dough from scratch.
Naan pizza is a versatile dish, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors to suit your preferences.
Naan pizza is a delicious and unique twist on traditional pizza that incorporates the flavors of Indian cuisine. It features a crispy and chewy naan bread as the base instead of the traditional pizza dough. Naan is a soft, leavened Indian bread made with all-purpose flour, yogurt, and yeast, which gives it a slightly tangy and pillowy texture.
What is Palak Paneer Naanza ?
Palak Paneer Naanza is a fusion dish that combines elements of Palak Paneer, a popular Indian dish made with spinach and cottage cheese (paneer), with the concept of a pizza-like dish called Naan Pizza or Naanza. It offers a unique and delicious twist on traditional flavors.
Naan Pizza / Naanza Recipe Toppings :
To make naan pizza, the naan bread is typically topped with a variety of ingredients inspired by Indian flavors. Common toppings include:
1. Sauce: Instead of the traditional tomato sauce, naan pizza often uses flavorful Indian sauces such as tikka masala sauce, butter chicken sauce, or spicy curry sauce. These sauces add a rich and aromatic base to the pizza.
2. Cheese: Naan pizzas are usually topped with a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of Indian cheeses like paneer or shredded Amul cheese. The cheese melts and adds a gooey, creamy element to the pizza.
3. Vegetables: Naan pizzas can be loaded with various vegetables like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted eggplant. These toppings provide a fresh and vibrant flavor profile to the pizza.
4. Protein: To make the pizza heartier, you can add proteins such as tandoori chicken, spiced lamb, marinated shrimp, or even paneer (a type of Indian cheese). These proteins add a savory element and complement the Indian flavors.
5. Herbs and Spices: Naan pizza is often seasoned with a variety of aromatic herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, or fresh cilantro. These spices enhance the overall Indian flavor profile of the pizza.
Once the naan pizza is topped with these ingredients, it is typically baked in an oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the naan bread is crispy. The result is a fusion of flavors, combining the familiar elements of pizza with the vibrant and bold tastes of Indian cuisine. Naan pizza can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course, and it offers a delightful and unique dining experience.
Variations in Palak Paneer Naanza
Palak Paneer Naanza is a delicious fusion dish that combines the flavors of Palak Paneer (a popular Indian spinach and cottage cheese curry) with the concept of a naan pizza. While there are no set variations for Palak Paneer Naanza, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Spicy Paneer Naanza: Add some heat to your naanza by marinating the paneer in a spicy yogurt and chili paste before topping it on the naan bread. You can also sprinkle some red chili flakes or add sliced jalapenos for an extra kick.
2. Garlic and Herb Naanza: Infuse the naan bread with garlic and herbs by brushing it with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkling dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil before baking. This will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the base.
3. Tandoori Paneer Naanza: Give your paneer a smoky and tangy flavor by marinating it in a tandoori spice blend along with yogurt and lemon juice. Grill or bake the marinated paneer until slightly charred before topping it on the naan bread.
4. Fusion Twist Naanza: Experiment with fusion flavors by adding ingredients like sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the paneer. You can also incorporate different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique twist.
5. Creamy Spinach Naanza: If you prefer a creamier version, you can blend some cooked spinach with cream or yogurt to create a creamy spinach sauce. Spread this sauce on the naan bread before topping it with paneer and other desired toppings.
Remember, these variations are just suggestions, and you can get creative with your own combinations based on your preferences. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite Palak Paneer Naanza!
Is Naan Pizza Glutenfree
Traditional naan bread is typically made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can cause issues for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
However, it is possible to find gluten-free naan bread or make your own using alternative flours such as rice flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. There are gluten-free naan recipes available online that use gluten-free ingredients to recreate the texture and flavor of traditional naan bread.
If you're purchasing naan bread from a store or ordering it at a restaurant, it's important to check if it's specifically labeled as gluten-free. Some establishments may offer gluten-free naan as an alternative option.
In summary, while traditional naan bread contains gluten, there are gluten-free alternatives available that can be used to make gluten-free naan pizza. Just ensure that the naan bread you use is explicitly labeled as gluten-free or make it yourself using gluten-free ingredients.
Checkout The Recipe Video 👇
palak paneer naanza
To make Palak Paneer Naanza, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Palak Paneer base:
Spinach (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups
Paneer (cottage cheese) - 1 cup, cubed
Onion - 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
Garlic - 3-4 cloves, minced
Ginger - 1-inch piece, grated
Green chilies - 1-2, finely chopped (optional)
Tomato - 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
Salt - to taste
Oil or ghee - 2 tablespoons
Water - as needed
For the Naanza:
Naan bread or pizza dough - 2 large pieces (or) You can Make palak puree
& knead with all purpose flour (as shown in youtube video)
Shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 to 1.5 cups
Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves - for garnish
capsicums
sweet corn(optional)
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make Palak Paneer Naanza:
1. In a pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
2. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
3. Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they become soft and mushy.
4. Add spinach leaves to the pan and cook until they wilt down. If using frozen spinach, thaw it beforehand.
5. Once the spinach is cooked, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down.
6. Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender or food processor and blend it into a smooth paste. You can add a little water if needed to adjust the consistency.
7. In the same pan, heat some more oil or ghee. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala. Sauté for a minute to toast the spices.
8. Add the spinach puree back to the pan and mix well with the spices. Add salt to taste and cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
(skip this step 8 & you can also Add spinach puree directly to flour & knead pizza dough as shown in youtube video)
9. Add cubed paneer to the spinach mixture and gently stir to combine. Cook for a couple of minutes until the paneer absorbs the flavors. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
(skip this step 9 & you can also Add paneer directly as toppings as shown in youtube video)
10. Preheat your oven to the temperature mentioned on the naan bread or pizza dough package.
11. Take the naan bread or pizza dough and spread a generous amount of the prepared Palak Paneer mixture over it, leaving a small border around the edges.
12. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the Palak Paneer layer.
13. Place the naanza on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
14. Once done, remove the naanza from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves & you can enjoy with Gralic Dip ( I shared recipe in youtube video)
15. Slice the naanza into wedges or squares and serve it hot as a delicious and unique fusion dish.
Enjoy your homemade Palak Paneer Naanza! It's a delightful combination of flavors from Palak Paneer and the crispy base of a naan or pizza.
Garlic Dip
Garlic dip is a popular condiment or sauce that is typically made with garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt, and various seasonings. It is known for its strong garlic flavor and creamy texture, and it is often used as a dipping sauce for vegetables, bread, chips, or as a topping for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
Thick curd 1 cup
Mayonnaise ½ cup
Fresh coriander 1/4th cup (finely chopped)
Salt & black pepper powder to taste
Garlic 2-3 cloves (grated)
Method:
Add all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and grate the garlic cloves, mix well and keep it the fridge until you use it to drizzle over the Naanza.