About the Dish
Street Style Veg Pizza is a popular and delicious variation of pizza often found in the bustling streets of India, especially at local pizzerias, food stalls, or street food carts. Unlike traditional Italian pizzas, this version has a unique, bold flavor profile that blends Western pizza with Indian street food influences. It’s known for its crispy crust, generous toppings, and vibrant spices, making it a favorite among vegetarians and pizza lovers alike.
The beauty of street style veg pizza lies in its simplicity, vibrant toppings, and the use of ingredients that cater to the Indian palate. The crust is usually thin, crispy, and slightly chewy, with a combination of rich tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Typical toppings include onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, corn, olives, and even paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for an extra layer of flavor. The pizza is also seasoned with Indian spices like oregano, red chili flakes, and sometimes even garam masala, giving it a distinctive and aromatic taste.
In many street-style versions, the pizza is baked in a traditional oven, often on a stone or tandoor (clay oven) for that authentic charred, crispy texture. The toppings are placed generously, and the pizza is usually served with ketchup or a tangy green chutney on the side, which enhances the overall experience.
Recipe
Ingredients
Directions to make
For the Pizza Dough
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (approximately)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup bell peppers (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup tomatoes (chopped or thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup black olives (sliced)
- ½ cup paneer (cottage cheese), cubed (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or oregano (for garnish)
- Chili flakes and oregano (for sprinkling)
- Olive oil (for brushing the crust)
Step 1 : Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and oregano to the bowl. Start mixing and then add olive oil.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- In a small bowl, mix tomato ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, oregano, and red chili flakes. Stir well to combine and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well for a crispy crust.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2 equal portions (for two pizzas). Roll out one portion on a floured surface into a round shape or any shape you prefer. Make it about ¼ inch thick.
- Place the rolled-out dough onto a parchment paper or greased baking sheet.
- Brush the edges with a little olive oil for a crispy, golden crust.
- Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a little space at the edges.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
- Now, layer your toppings: spread onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, black olives, and paneer cubes (if using) evenly over the cheese.
- Slide the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes and oregano on top for added flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional) or more cheese if desired.
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot with a side of ketchup or green chutney for that street-style experience!
