I love experimenting with various flavors and cuisines in my kitchen. Some are a super hit and some don't even pass my taste test ..haha !!
After I tried my hands on Pav Bhaji Pasta which was a hit at home ,I was pondering on how else to infuse Italian flavors in our Desi style cooking.
While the thinking cap was on , my eyes fell on a pizza menu which had paneer Tikka pizza on the cards and that is how my Kulche wala Pizza was born . I was planning to make kulchas to go with a mix veg sabji ,but then I went ahead and tried my hands on this cheesy kulche wala Pizza which was welcome by all at home .
I have used kulcha as the base and the toppings are in Italian style . So my dear readers , do let me know how you like this recipe and donot forget to try it at your homes too.
What is the difference in Naan and Kulcha ?
- Though Naan and Kulcha fall into the category of Indian Breads, there is a slight difference in the way the dough is prepared.
- Naan uses yeast as raising agent while for Kulcha baking powder and baking soda are used.
- Naan needs good amount of resting time as the yeast needs to react for the dough to raise whereas for Kulcha there is not much resting time.
- Naan and Kulcha both can be made in the Tandoor but they come out well even on stove top as well .
- In terms of shape, Naan is generally oblong while kulchas are round like rotis .
- Kulchas are easy to make with ingredients available in the pantry and fairly simple for beginners who haven't worked with yeast .
Resting Time - 30 mins
Makes - 3 to 4 pizzas
Complexity - Medium
Ingredients
Kulcha
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup maida / APF
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup curd/yogurt
Pinch of salt
2 tsp oil
Toppings
Assorted bell peppers cut length wise
1 tomato deseeded and cut length wise
1 onion cut length wise (optional)
Handful of boiled sweet corn
5 - 6 tbsp pizza sauce
Mixed herbs /pizza seasoning
Chilli flakes
1 slab mozzarella cheese
Method
How to prepare the Kulcha dough ?
- In a wide mixing bowl, sift all the dry ingredients through a sieve .
- Make a well and add in the curd and mix it with the flour .Slowly add the water and knead it to a soft pliable dough . Donot add too much water
- Stretch and knead the dough for about 5 to 10 min for the gluten to react well .Apply some oil and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rest for 30 mins .
How to make the kulchas for the pizza base ?
- After 30 mins punch the dough ,knead and stretch for another 5 mins.
- Divide the dough to 3 or 4 equal parts.
- Take one part, dust rolling board and roll the dough into a base which is neither too thick nor thin .
- Prick the kulcha with a fork ,this enables even cooking.
- Place this kulcha on a pre heated tava and cook on both sides till it turns slightly brown and looks puffed up .
- Follow this process for the entire dough and keep the kulcha base ready.
How to prepare the topping and assemble the pizza?
- In a pan ,add a tsp of oil and lightly toss the assorted bell peppers with some salt and set aside .
- Take one kulcha , spread the pizza sauce generously, top it with some mozzarella cheese.
- Add the vegetable toppings of onions,tomatoes, bellpeppers and sweet corn as per your liking. You may also use jalapeños and olives too .
- Sprinkle the mixed herbs , chilli flakes ,oregano and add some more mozzarella cheese on the top as much as you like .
- Place this assembled kulcha pizza on a pre heated tawa and cook it covered with a lid until you see the mozzarella cheese melt and cover the entire kulcha pizza .
- Take it off the pan , cut it into slices and serve hot .
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Kulche wala pizza looks so delicious. Lovely idea of making pizza in a different way. We can even make use of the left over kulchas and naans.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed . One of the best way to use up.the left over naans and kulchas too
DeleteLooks simply amazing! I think using kulcha as a pizza base is such a great idea. And it takes less time to make too!
ReplyDeleteThanks dear Azlin
ReplyDeleteKulche wali pizza seems a good option for those you do not like yeast. This is additionally a good way to make pizza on gas stove. The pizza topping is a nice cheezy one. Will use this method of making pizza some day.
ReplyDeleteLike this idea Priya, next time making more kulcha purposely so that I have an excuse to make the leftovers into pizza. Love the tempting cheesy topping of your kulche wala pizza.
ReplyDeleteKulcha wala pizza looks so inviting with all the cheesy toppings.. it is a wonderful way to use the leftover kulchas.. even making it from starch is less time taking than the pizza base.. wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteLove the kulcha wala pizza makes an easy and delicious pizza in lesser time. Your pizza is a wonderful idea for weekend meals.
ReplyDeleteKulcha wali pizza sounds fabulous!! Wonderful treat for pizza lovers with a desi twist. Cheesy toppings make it even more delicious.
ReplyDeleteKulche wala pizza sounds delicious. It's a nice make over for leftover kulchas. I love that you have used more of whole Wheat Flour and less of maida for kulchas.
ReplyDeleteKulcha pizza looks absolutely delicious. Also loved the topping. A great way to make kids happy with this instant pizza if pizza base is not ready. Can't wait to try.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so inviting. My daughter loves pizza this fusion of kulcha and pizza seems great surely gone try this soon.
ReplyDeleteKulche wala Pizza looks absolutely delicious. What a indian twist here, whole Wheat Flour is a lovely choice to make kulcha
ReplyDeleteKulche wala Pizza sounds brilliant Priya ! This is such an innovative fusion dish! It looks absolutely delicious and irresistible.
ReplyDeleteKulche wala pizza looks too inviting Priya. Love your kulcha recipe which uses more wheat flour and with that loaded cheese and veggies it is absolutely irrestible
ReplyDelete