• For the base (budget-friendly, or use store-bought pizza base):
• cups all-purpose flour (maida) or whole wheat flour (atta)
• 1 tsp instant yeast (or ½ tsp dry active yeast)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp oil
• ¾ cup warm water

 

For toppings:

• ½ cup pizza sauce (or homemade: blended tomato + garlic + pinch of chili powder + salt)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
• ½ cup paneer cubes (lightly sautéed or marinated in mild spices like turmeric + salt)
• 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
• Fresh basil leaves (a handful, torn or whole)
• ½ tsp oregano (optional)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, skip for kids)

 

Directions

Prepare the dough:

• Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water gradually and knead into a soft dough.
• Add oil and knead 5–7 minutes. Cover and rest for 1 hour until doubled.

 

Prep paneer:

• Lightly sauté paneer cubes with a pinch of turmeric and salt. This gives it flavor and keeps it soft.

 

Shape the base:

• Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
• Roll out dough into medium-thick rounds and place on a greased tray.

 

Assemble pizza:

• Spread pizza sauce over the base.
• Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella.
• Add tomato slices and sautéed paneer cubes.

 

Top with basil leaves.

Bake:

• Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbly.

 

Serve:

• Sprinkle oregano and chili flakes (skip for kids).
• Slice into small wedges—easy for kids to handle.

 

✅ Kid-friendly tip: Cut paneer into very small cubes and keep spice levels low.
✅ Budget-friendly tip: Use homemade dough + simple tomato puree for sauce. Paneer can be homemade from milk to save cost.