Vegetarian Pizza Recipe

Preheat and prepare dough

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat. Lightly dust a work surface with 1–2 tablespoons of flour. On a floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round (or desired size). Transfer dough to a sheet of parchment paper or a lightly oiled pizza peel. Brush the top of the dough lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to help keep the sauce from soaking in.

If using jarred butter chicken sauce, stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1 teaspoon tomato paste (optional) to brighten and slightly thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch of salt if needed. Spoon about 3/4 to 1 cup (depending on desired sauciness) of butter chicken sauce evenly over the prepared dough, leaving a 1/2-inch edge for the crust.

Prepare paneer

Cut 200 g paneer into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add paneer cubes in a single layer and pan-fry 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper while frying. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain.

Evenly distribute 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the sauced dough. Scatter the pan-fried paneer cubes over the cheese so they get baked into the pizza. Reserve about 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for a final sprinkle.

Scatter sliced green bell pepper, sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup corn kernels evenly across the cheese and paneer. Season the assembled toppings lightly with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to taste.

Slide the pizza (on parchment or peel) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. If you prefer a crisper crust, bake 1–3 minutes longer, watching closely to avoid burning.

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro over the hot pizza so the cheese melts slightly and the herbs brighten the flavors. Lightly dust the top with 1 teaspoon chunky chat masala and, if desired, 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes for heat. Slice and serve immediately.