Introduction
Pizza night gets a flavorful makeover with this Paneer and Spinach Pizza—a perfect fusion of creamy Indian palak paneer and classic crispy pizza crust. It’s a vibrant and nutritious option that combines soft paneer cubes with spiced spinach, delivering a rich, savory bite in every slice. Whether for family dinners or weekend gatherings, this pizza offers a fun way to enjoy Indian flavors in a fresh, modern format. Plus, it’s great to make together with kids or friends for a shared kitchen adventure!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups whole wheat or all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp dry yeast
- 150 ml lukewarm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Palak Paneer Topping:
- 300g fresh spinach, chopped
- 200g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes or 150g tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cream or yogurt (optional)
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Dough prep & rising: 1.5–2 hours
- Topping prep: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 10-15 minutes
- Total: approx. 2 hours
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 10g
Method
1. Prepare the Dough
Activate yeast in lukewarm water with sugar. Mix with flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead 8-10 minutes to a smooth dough. Let rise covered for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
2. Make the Palak Paneer
Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic, ginger, and green chili, cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, and salt, cooking till oil separates. Add spinach in batches, cooking each until wilted. Stir in paneer, garam masala, and cream/yogurt; cook 1-2 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pizza
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Roll out dough on floured surface. Place on baking tray or stone. Spread palak paneer topping evenly. Optionally, sprinkle mozzarella.
4. Bake
Bake for 10-15 minutes until crust is golden and edges crisp.
5. Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander or mint. Slice and enjoy warm.
Cooking Tips
- Fresh spinach provides vibrant color and flavor; drain well if using frozen.
- Adding a dollop of cream or yogurt balances spice and adds richness.
- Using store-bought dough or naan speeds up prep while maintaining crispness.
- Customize with extra veggies like bell peppers or onions for variety.
- A pizza stone or preheated baking sheet ensures a crisp crust.
Making this pizza is a weekend tradition at our home—everyone loves choosing mix-ins and helping roll out dough. My kids especially enjoy adding the paneer cubes one by one, making it a fun, hands-on meal where we bond over cooking and shared tastes.
History
Inspired by the classic Indian dish palak paneer—creamy spinach and cheese—the pizza adaptation took shape as global palates embraced fusion foods. It marries the artisan charm of pizza with the beloved flavors of Indian vegetarian cuisine, creating a perfect bridge between two culinary worlds.
Conclusion
Paneer and Spinach Pizza is an exciting, healthy, and delicious way to bring together family and friends around a shared meal. It offers a fresh take on pizza filled with nutrients and flavors to satisfy every bite.
Try it for your next cooking adventure or pizza night!