Deep Dish Pizza Pakistani Style | Pakistani Cuisine

Deep dish pizza is an iconic American dish known for its thick, doughy crust and generous layers of cheese and toppings. However, when it comes to culinary creativity, blending global flavors can result in delightful surprises. The Pakistani twist on deep dish pizza takes traditional Pakistani ingredients and techniques and blends them with the beloved American classic.

The foundation of any deep dish pizza lies in its crust. In the Pakistani rendition the crust is typically prepared with a blend of wheat flour and semolina, creating a hearty and slightly grainy base, giving it a perfect balance between a firm exterior and a soft, airy interior.

One of the defining features of Pakistani cuisine is its bold and aromatic use of spices. When it comes to deep dish pizza, the toppings take on a whole new dimension. Traditional Pakistani flavors such as tandoori chicken, seekh kebab, or spicy minced beef are incorporated, adding a burst of smoky, savory goodness. Accompanied by layers of onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, the toppings create a vibrant and colorful pizza.

While mozzarella is the go-to cheese for classic deep dish pizza, the Pakistani twist introduces a diverse range of cheese options. From creamy paneer to tangy cheddar or even the smoky flavors of desi cheese, the cheese selection for Pakistani-style deep dish pizza is a melting pot of flavors. The combination of cheeses enhances the richness of the pizza and provides a delightful contrast to the spices and toppings.

In traditional deep dish pizza, marinara sauce reigns supreme. However, Pakistani-style deep dish pizza incorporates various chutneys and masalas. Tangy and spicy chutneys made from mint, tamarind, or cilantro are generously spread over the crust, infusing every bite with a burst of flavor. The addition of masalas such as chaat masala or garam masala elevates the taste profile, resulting in a pizza that is uniquely Pakistani.

To complement the bold flavors of the pizza, a side of refreshing raita (yogurt-based dip) and a fresh salad are often served. The cool and creamy raita helps balance the spices, while the salad provides a crisp and vibrant contrast, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional deep dish pizza or a lover of Pakistani cuisine, this unique fusion dish is sure to leave you craving more.

Recipe: Pakistani Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semolina
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons oil
• Warm water (as needed)

For the toppings:

• 1 cup tandoori chicken, cooked and shredded
• ½ cup seekh kebab, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup minced beef, cooked with spices (such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced

For the sauce:

• ½ cup mint chutney
• ½ cup tamarind chutney
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

For the cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup crumbled paneer
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese

For garnish:

• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, instant yeast, sugar, and salt for the crust. Mix well. Add the oil and gradually add warm water, kneading until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a deep dish pizza pan or a round baking dish with oil.
3. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the greased pizza pan. Press the dough evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form the crust.
4. Spread the mint chutney and tamarind chutney over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle chaat masala and garam masala evenly over the chutneys.
5. Layer the cooked tandoori chicken, seekh kebab, minced beef, sliced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes over the sauce.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled paneer, and grated cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this cheese mixture generously over the toppings, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
9. Slice the Deep Dish Pizza Pakistani Style into wedges and serve it hot with a side of raita and fresh salad.