Naan is a type of Indian flatbread that is crispy from the outside, soft from the inside, and best served with curries like dal makhani, paneer butter masala, kadhai paneer, and more. You can also pair it with lip-smacking kebabs. In this article, we thought of giving this quintessential North Indian bread an Italian twist. Yes, you heard it right! We bring you a delicious amalgamation of paneer and naan. It is called Paneer Naanza.
What Is Tandoori Paneer Naanza?
When making paneer naanza, we use naan as the base for pizza, tandoori paneer as toppings, and the result is a wonderful, cheesy, and crispy paneer pizza. This dish, a masterful fusion of Indo-Italian flavor, can steal the spotlight at any moment. Compared to creating a pizza base from scratch, it is quicker and easier. Read below to know the complete recipe.
Ingredients
Naan Bread: These are Indian flatbreads. You can use homemade or store-bought regular or flavored Naan for this recipe. I like Deep Brand frozen garlic naans. You can easily find them in Indian grocery stores. Naans are also available in Trader Joe’s, Costco, etc. I also like Stonefire Naan Breads. Olive Oil: is used for lightly brushing the naan base. It helps to add flavor and prevents the naan crust from getting soggy. Sauce: Use either pizza sauce or marinara sauce. Suppose you don’t have either; use tomato ketchup. Sometimes, I like to use Makhani sauce as the base. Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella or any cheese you prefer. Tandoori Paneer: I have marinated paneer cubes (Indian cottage cheese) in a marinade made of hung curd (or Greek yogurt), ginger-garlic paste, and a few spices. Suppose you don’t have time; you can skip the marinade and just add paneer as a topping. Vegetable Toppings: I used red onions, bell pepper, and grape tomatoes. Fresh Cilantro: adds a great herbal flavor. You can also use chopped parsley.
How to Make Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza
In a small mixing bowl, add hung curd (or Greek yogurt), ginger garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well. Then add paneer cubes and mix well such that paneer cubes are coated well. Keep it aside. Place the garlic naan bread on a parchment paper or pizza stone. Lightly brush the naan with some olive oil. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce or marinara sauce over the naan. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add your favorite toppings. I added veggies like red onions, bell peppers, and grape tomatoes, followed by marinated paneer. Then top it with some chopped cilantro. Firstly, Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (176°C). Place the naan pizza in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (176°C) for 8-10 minutes or until the edges look crisp and the cheese has melted. Let the tandoori paneer naan pizza cool slightly, and then cut it into slices and enjoy!
How to Make Indian Naan Pizza in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and place the naan pizza on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes or until the edges look crisp and the cheese has melted.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Naan Pizza hot with other finger foods like chips, fries, veggies, and dips. It can be a great option for kids’ lunches or as an after-school snack.
Topping Variations
Here are a few vegetable topping ideas to consider
Mushrooms Sweet corn Sliced jalapenos Olives
Storage Suggestions
Naan pizza is best when enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. When you are to serve, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes. If you like this recipe, check out more Indian Snack Recipes
Gobi Manchurian Onion Pakoda Khaman Dhokla Bombay Potatoes
More Air Fryer Recipes
Tandoori Aloo Paneer Tikka Crispy Tofu Potato Wedges Potato Fries
★ Like this recipe? FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more quick & easy recipes.
