How to make Beguni Pizza

To make a delicious Beguni Pizza, which combines the flavors of traditional Bengali Beguni (deep-fried eggplant fritters) with a pizza base, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

For the Beguni (Eggplant Fritters):

• Eggplant (aubergine), thinly sliced into rounds
• Chickpea flour (besan)
• Rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Turmeric powder
• Red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for frying

For the Pizza:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Mozzarella cheese, grated
• Pizza sauce or tomato sauce
• Sliced onions
• Sliced bell peppers (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beguni (Eggplant Fritters):

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice flour (if using), turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add water to the dry ingredients to make a smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, thick enough to coat the eggplant slices.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
4. Dip each eggplant slice into the batter, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. Carefully slide the coated eggplant slices into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven according to the pizza dough instructions.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza tray or baking sheet.
4. Spread a layer of pizza sauce or tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
5. Arrange the fried Beguni (eggplant fritters) over the sauce on the pizza dough.
6. Scatter sliced onions and bell peppers (if using) over the Beguni.
7. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza.

3. Baking:

1. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza for added flavor.
2. Place the pizza in the preheated oven.
3. Bake according to the dough instructions or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serving:

1. Once baked, remove the Beguni Pizza from the oven.
2. Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the hot pizza for garnish.
3. Slice the pizza and serve hot.

Tips:

• You can adjust the spiciness of the Beguni by varying the amount of red chili powder in the batter.
• Feel free to add other toppings such as sliced tomatoes, green chilies, or even crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for more variation.
• Serve the Beguni Pizza with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney for a delicious Indian twist.

Enjoy your homemade Beguni Pizza, a delightful fusion of Bengali and Italian flavors!