Iftar Special Pizza @mukeem03
Iftar Special Pizza 🍕 @mukeem03 is a medium Indian recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Sadim Khan on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $9.94 total, $4.97 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Pizza Base (store‑bought or homemade, about 10‑inch diameter)
- 2 tablespoons Pizza Sauce (store‑bought tomato pizza sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise (regular creamy mayo)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Ketchup (adds a sweet tang)
- 1/4 cup Capsicum (diced, any colour)
- 1/4 cup Tomato (diced, fresh)
- 1/4 cup Onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 cup Cheese (grated mozzarella or processed cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (unsalted, for melting cheese)
- 1 medium Onion (for bhajia) (finely chopped)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (chopped)
- 1 cup Gram Flour (Besan) (sifted)
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup Water (adjust to batter consistency)
- 2 cups Oil for Deep Frying (vegetable or canola oil, high smoke point)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables for Pizza
Wash and dice the capsicum, tomato, and onion into small uniform pieces. Set aside in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Pizza
Place the pizza base on a clean surface. Spread pizza sauce evenly, then drizzle mayonnaise and ketchup. Sprinkle the diced capsicum, tomato, and onion over the sauce. Finish with dried oregano, chili flakes, and grated cheese.
Time: PT5M
Melt Cheese on the Pizza
Heat a non‑stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt, then place the assembled pizza in the pan. Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the base is lightly crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Prepare Bhajia Batter
In a mixing bowl combine the finely chopped onion, green onions, gram flour, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Gradually add water while stirring to form a thick, smooth batter.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil for Frying
Pour oil into a deep frying pan or wok and heat over medium‑high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Fry the Bhajias
Using a spoon, drop small portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry for 2‑3 minutes, turning gently, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Serve
Slice the pizza, plate it alongside the hot bhajias, and enjoy immediately while the cheese is still melty.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pizza Base: Flatbread, Naan
- Instead of Pizza Sauce: Marinara sauce, Homemade tomato puree with herbs
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, Vegan mayo
- Instead of Tomato Ketchup: Tomato puree, Barbecue sauce (light)
- Instead of Capsicum: Bell pepper strips, Green chilies (finely chopped)
- Instead of Tomato: Canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Red onion
- Instead of Oregano: Italian seasoning, Basil
- Instead of Chili Flakes: Ground cayenne pepper, Fresh chopped green chilies
- Instead of Cheese: Cheddar, Paneer (crumbled)
- Instead of Butter: Oil (will change flavor), Ghee
- Instead of Onion (for bhajia): Shallots
- Instead of Green Onions: Leeks (thinly sliced)
- Instead of Gram Flour (Besan): All‑purpose flour (will change texture)
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Paprika (for colour)
- Instead of Red Chili Powder: Cayenne pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Oil for Deep Frying: Peanut oil, Sunflower oil
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Grater
- Non‑stick Skillet
- Deep Frying Pan or Wok
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Serving Plate
- Thermometer (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the cheese melts without burning the pizza crust.
- Maintaining oil temperature around 350°F for crisp bhajias.
- Achieving the right batter consistency for bhajias.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, brush the pizza crust with a little garlic‑infused butter before serving.
- Add a pinch of nigella seeds or sesame seeds on top of the pizza for texture.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and a little cheddar for a richer melt.
Troubleshooting
Cheese does not melt fully and stays stringy.
Cover the pan with a lid to trap steam and lower the heat to medium‑low; allow an extra minute for melting.
Bhajias turn out soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the oil is at 350°F before adding batter and avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in small batches.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven.
Freezer: Wrap pizza tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Room temperature: Bhajias are best eaten fresh; if left out, consume within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice all vegetables and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Grate cheese ahead of time and keep refrigerated.
- Prepare the bhajia batter and let it rest for 15‑20 minutes before frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade veg pizza in Indian home cooking?
While pizza originates from Italy, Indian households have embraced it as a quick, customizable snack, especially during Ramadan for iftar. It reflects the blend of global flavors with local ingredients like capsicum, onion, and Indian spices.
What are the traditional regional variations of pizza in Indian cuisine?
In North India, pizza often features paneer, green chilies, and coriander, while South Indian versions may include curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a thinner crisp base. The recipe here uses familiar Indian condiments like mayo and ketchup alongside oregano.
How is pizza traditionally served in Indian households during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, pizza is typically served hot, sliced into small pieces, and eaten alongside other fast‑breaking foods such as dates, fruit, and savory snacks like bhajias or samosas. It provides quick energy after the fast.
What occasions or celebrations is homemade veg pizza associated with in Indian culture?
Homemade pizza has become popular for casual gatherings, children’s parties, and as a quick iftar or suhoor meal during Ramadan. It is also a favorite for weekend family movie nights.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Indian‑style pizza versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Indian pizza often uses locally available vegetables, Indian spices like oregano, chili flakes, and sometimes paneer. Substitutes include using any cheese that melts well, store‑bought pizza sauce, or replacing capsicum with bell peppers of any colour.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this veg pizza with bhajias?
Common errors include overloading the pizza base, which makes it soggy; using oil that is too hot or too cool for bhajias, leading to burnt or soggy fritters; and not covering the pan while melting cheese, which can cause uneven melting.
Why does this recipe melt the cheese in a pan with butter instead of baking the pizza in an oven?
Melting cheese on a stovetop with butter creates a quick, crisp crust without needing an oven, which matches the home kitchen setup shown in the video. It also keeps the cooking time short for an iftar snack.
Can I make the veg pizza and bhajias ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Store the assembled pizza (without cheese) wrapped in plastic for up to 24 hours, then melt the cheese just before serving. Bhajias can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 days and reheated in a hot oven to regain crispness.
What does the YouTube channel Sadim Khan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sadim Khan focuses on simple, everyday home cooking recipes that blend South Asian flavors with quick, family‑friendly meals, often featuring step‑by‑step demonstrations.
How does the YouTube channel Sadim Khan's approach to Indian‑style pizza differ from other cooking channels?
Sadim Khan emphasizes using minimal equipment, pantry staples, and fast stovetop techniques, whereas many other channels rely on oven‑baked pizza or elaborate dough preparations. This makes the recipe accessible for busy households.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
