How to make Panta Bhat Pizza

Making Panta Bhat Pizza is a fusion dish that combines elements of traditional Bangladeshi cuisine with a popular Italian dish. Panta Bhat is a fermented rice dish, typically eaten in Bangladesh, and when used as a topping on a pizza, it creates a unique and flavorful meal. Here’s a basic guide on how you can make Panta Bhat Pizza:

Ingredients:

For the Panta Bhat:

• Cooked rice (preferably leftover or fermented)
• Water (for soaking)
• Salt to taste
• Sliced red onion
• Chopped green chili (optional)
• Chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Pizza:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Optional toppings like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked chicken (for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Panta Bhat:

• Take the cooked rice (preferably leftover) in a bowl.
• Add water to the rice until it’s fully immersed. Let it soak for several hours or overnight, depending on how fermented you want it. The longer it soaks, the more fermented it becomes.
• After soaking, drain the excess water from the rice.
• Mash the rice slightly with a spoon or fork to achieve a semi-smooth texture.
• Add salt to taste, along with sliced red onion, chopped green chili, and cilantro if desired. Mix well.

2. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

• If using store-bought dough, follow the instructions on the packaging for prepping and rolling out the dough.
• If making homemade dough, prepare it according to your favorite pizza dough recipe. Roll it out into a round or rectangular shape on a floured surface.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to the temperature specified for your pizza dough (usually around 450°F or as directed).
• Place the rolled-out dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the dough with olive oil.
• Spread a layer of pizza sauce or marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
• Spread the prepared Panta Bhat mixture evenly over the sauce, covering the entire surface of the pizza dough.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the Panta Bhat mixture.
• Add any additional toppings you desire, such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked chicken.

4. Bake the Pizza:

• Place the assembled pizza into the preheated oven.
• Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
• Keep an eye on the pizza while it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once done, remove the Panta Bhat Pizza from the oven.
• Let it cool slightly before slicing.
• Serve hot and enjoy the unique flavors of this fusion dish!

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and proportions based on your taste preferences. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of Panta Bhat with the comforting appeal of a classic pizza, making it a delightful and creative dish to try.