Pizza Uttapam is a fun dish that combines the flavors of Indian and Italian food. It starts with an uttapam, a thick pancake made from rice and lentil batter. On top, it has all the toppings you love on a pizza, like bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and melted cheese. A touch of oregano and chili flakes adds some Italian flavor, and fresh cilantro brings an Indian touch. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, giving you a taste of both cuisines in one bite.

How to make Pizza Uttapam?

Prepare the Pizza Maker: Grease the pizza maker with a small amount of oil on both sides to ensure the uttapam doesn’t stick while cooking.

Cook the Uttapam Base:

• Heat a flat pan on medium heat and lightly grease it with oil.
• Pour 1 cup of dosa or uttapam batter onto the pan, spreading it evenly to form a thick pancake.
• Allow it to cook on medium heat until bubbles start to form on the surface and the bottom turns golden brown.

Sauté the Vegetables:

• While the uttapam is cooking, heat a small amount of oil in a separate pan.
• Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the pan.
• Sprinkle the chili flakes, salt, and oregano over the vegetables.
• Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

Flip the Uttapam: Once the uttapam is cooked on one side and has a golden-brown color, carefully flip it over to cook the other side.

Add the Marinara Sauce:

• Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over the cooked side of the uttapam.

• Add the Toppings:
  • Evenly sprinkle the sautéed onions and bell peppers over the marinara sauce.
  • Follow with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring it covers the vegetables.
  • Place sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese, adjusting the quantity to your spice preference.

Cook Until Cheese Melts:

• Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
• Let the uttapam cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.

Serve:

• Once the cheese has melted and the uttapam base is crispy, carefully remove the pizza uttapam from the pan.
• Place it on a cutting board and cut it into slices.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Enjoy: Serve the pizza uttapam hot and enjoy this healthy, gluten-free fusion dish right away!

Storage: 

• Refrigeration: Let the pizza uttapam cool completely, place slices in an airtight container, separate layers with parchment paper, and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: For microwaving, heat slices on a microwave-safe plate on medium power for 1-2 minutes; for oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes; for stovetop, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, place slices in the pan, cover, and heat for 5-7 minutes.

Serving suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a side of tangy tomato salsa or a refreshing cucumber raita to complement the flavors. Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Presentation: Cut the pizza uttapam into bite-sized squares or triangles for easy serving, especially at parties. Serve on a wooden board or a colorful platter to make the dish visually appealing.
• Toppings: Customize with additional toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to suit your taste. Add a sprinkle of parmesan or feta cheese for a richer flavor profile.

Expert Tips:

• Perfect Batter Consistency: Ensure the dosa or uttapam batter is thick enough to hold the toppings but not too thick, as this can prevent even cooking.
• Crispy Base: For a crispier base, add a little extra oil around the edges of the uttapam while cooking.
• Layering Order: Apply the marinara sauce before adding the toppings and cheese to prevent the uttapam from becoming too soggy.