HOW TO MAKE TANDOORI CHICKEN PIZZA FROM SCRATCH

1. HOW TO MAKE TANDOORI CHICKEN PIZZA FROM SCRATCH There aren't many joys that compare to pulling a sizzling, bubbly pizza from a blazing hot oven. I've taken this particular pizza out of my oven several times, mostly for guests, because such pleasures (and the results of such efforts) must be shared. Pizza induces happiness, and this homemade Tandoori Chicken Pizza is next-level blissful. What is it about pizza that elicits such emotions? First and foremost, there's bread, which serves as the foundation of many a satisfying meal. Two: cheese. Should I go on? Three: the sauce. Fresh and flavorful. It's the last and most important part that takes bread and cheese to the next level and gives the pizza the status it deserves. Add tandoori chicken to the mix, and it's nothing short of magical. Making pizza from scratch may appear daunting, but there are only a few steps to each component, and the end result is well worth it. That being said, I'm all for shortcuts. And this recipe is adaptable enough to keep its spicy, savory, smoky flavor. Ingredients for the Tandori chicken topping • 1 (300 g) chicken breast, cut into thin, small bite-sized pieces • 1/4 cup (61 g) plain, whole milk yoghurt • 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2. • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or paste • 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste or crushed ginger • 1 tbsp neutral oil, such as canola • 1-2 tsp tomato paste • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, depending on the tandoori masala powder • 1 tbsp Tandoori masala powder (use less if yours is spicy) • 1 tsp paprika powder For the Crust • 2 ½ cup bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 tsp sugar • 1 cup warm water (100-110°F) • 1 (2 1/4 tsp) standard packet of active dry yeast For the Sauce • 1 28-oz (794g) can of Italian Whole Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes (or sub equal amount of fresh tomatoes) • 1 small (140-170 g) onion • 1 small green chili pepper (I use Serrano) • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2-3 garlic cloves (1 teaspoon crushed) • 1 medium bay leaf • 2-3 tbsp tomato paste

3. • 1 tsp sugar • 1 tsp sea salt • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning • 1/2-1 teaspoon tandoori masala powder • 1/4 teaspoon each of red chilli flakes, cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, and salt to taste the pizza. • 2 prepared crusts • Prepared sauce • Tandoori chicken • 2 cups (8 oz or 227 g) quality mozzarella cheese or a blend of mozzarella and preferred cheese, plus more if desired • Sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion INSTRUCTIONS Tandoori Chicken Topping • Marinate the chicken in all of the ingredients for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.

4. • Preheat the oven broiler to high (550ºF/288ºC) and position the oven rack to the top. Line an oven-safe sheet pan with aluminium foil. If you have skewers, thread the chicken pieces through them and place them on top of the sheet pan. Otherwise, arrange the chicken pieces in an even layer. • Broil for 6 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces over and broil for another 4 minutes. You're looking for a tandoor-like (but not burnt) finish. Set aside, covered. Pizza Crust • In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir once and set aside for 5–10 minutes, or until foamy. It must be foamy! If not, something went wrong. • Mix the flour, salt, and olive oil together in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Start the mixer, then gradually add the water/yeast mixture. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, adding a little water if necessary. (Instead of using a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes.) • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place to rise for an hour or so, or until the dough doubles in size. • Once it has risen, punch it down, knead it lightly, and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to make two 8 to 10-inch pizzas with a rolling pin. Push the dough at the ends to make it slightly thicker on the rim. To help it bake evenly, make small slits in the base with a knife. Cover the crust with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap while you prepare the toppings. • In a food processor, combine the tomatoes, onion, and green chilies and process until smooth. • Heat the olive oil in a pan . Add the garlic and cook for about 20–30 seconds, or until the raw smell goes away and it starts to brown. Stir in the tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked (25–30 minutes). If using fresh tomatoes, you may need to add water to ensure it's well cooked and the desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf. Steps and Assembly • Prepare the chicken. Set aside, covered. Make the pizza sauce. • Make the pizza dough and set it aside to rise. Thaw and roll out the pre-made dough.

5. • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or the temperature specified on the pre-made pizza dough. When the dough has risen, roll it out as directed. Cover it and prepare the vegetable toppings. • Arrange the pizza bases on two sheet pans lined with aluminum foil. Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza. Top with cheese, chicken, and any other desired toppings. Ordering healthy pizza Tandoori Pizza has been serving the best pizza in Sunnyvale for many years. Please get in touch with us by phone or email at tandooripizzainc@hotmail.com. First, view our menu to see what fresh pizzas, appetizers, salads, and desserts we have to offer. Then, visit our website to make an order for pizza delivery in Sunnyvale and the nearby areas.