Samak Rice Pizza: A Modern OTG Twist To Navaratri Meals
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Navaratri fasting often leads to a search for dishes that are filling, balanced, and still follow the rules of vrat. Samak rice, or barnyard millet, is commonly used in many fasting recipes such as khichdi, kheer, or upma. It is favoured because it cooks quickly and does not weigh heavy on the stomach. In recent years, home cooks have started experimenting with this grain in innovative recipes that bring a contemporary element to traditional vrat meals. A pizza made with samak rice base is one such idea. It offers the comfort of pizza without using wheat flour or yeast, while remaining entirely suitable for fasting. Preparing this dish in an OTG, such as the Usha OTG, allows for even baking and crisp edges, which make the recipe practical and reliable for the festive season.

This approach not only adds variety to the Navaratri thali but also demonstrates how fasting food can be as versatile as regular meals. With thoughtful toppings like paneer, vegetables, and vrat-friendly spices, the dish becomes nourishing and celebratory at the same time.

Samak Rice Pizza Recipe

Ingredients for the base

  • One cup samak rice (barnyard millet)
  • Half cup boiled and mashed potatoes
  • Two tablespoons arrowroot flour or singhara flour (for binding)
  • One teaspoon sendha namak (rock salt)
  • Half teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • Ingredients for the topping
  • Half cup paneer, cut into small cubes
  • Half cup capsicum, finely chopped
  • Half cup tomatoes, deseeded and chopped
  • Two green chillies, chopped finely
  • Two tablespoons fresh coriander leaves
  • One teaspoon ghee or oil suitable for fasting
  • Rock salt as required
  • Black pepper powder for seasoning

Preparation of the base

  1. Wash and soak the samak rice for three to four hours. Drain the water completely.
  2. Grind the soaked rice into a slightly coarse paste with a few tablespoons of water. The paste should not be too runny.
  3. Transfer the mixture into a bowl. Add mashed potatoes, arrowroot flour, rock salt, and roasted cumin powder. Mix thoroughly until a dough-like mixture is formed.
  4. Grease a baking tray lightly with ghee. Spread the samak dough evenly in a circular shape to resemble a pizza base. Keep the thickness moderate so that it cooks through and holds the toppings well.

Baking the base

  1. Preheat the OTG to 180°C for about ten minutes.
  2. Place the prepared base in the tray inside the OTG and bake for fifteen minutes until it firms up slightly. This helps the base hold its shape before adding toppings.

Preparing the toppings

  1. Heat a pan with a teaspoon of ghee. Add the paneer cubes and sauté until they turn light golden. Set aside.
  2. In the same pan, toss the chopped capsicum, tomatoes, and chillies for two to three minutes to soften them lightly. Add a pinch of rock salt and black pepper powder for flavour.

Assembling the pizza

  1. Remove the baked base from the OTG. Spread the sautéed vegetables and paneer evenly over the surface.
  2. Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top. If desired, you can add thin slices of boiled sweet potato or grated coconut for extra taste.
  3. Return the tray to the OTG and bake at 200°C for another ten to twelve minutes until the edges turn crisp and the toppings blend well with the base.

Serving suggestion

Once baked, let the pizza cool slightly before cutting into wedges. Serve warm with a bowl of curd flavoured with roasted cumin, or alongside fruit salad to complete a vrat-friendly meal.

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Nutritional Perspective

Samak rice provides energy while remaining easy to digest, which is why it is preferred during fasting. It has a higher fibre content compared to polished rice, and it offers a good source of iron and magnesium. Potatoes contribute starch for binding and satiety, while paneer and vegetables add protein, vitamins, and minerals. Using minimal ghee keeps the recipe light yet satisfying.

Why This Recipe Works For Navaratri

During Navaratri, meals are carefully chosen to avoid grains such as wheat or rice, and ingredients like onion and garlic. This recipe respects those rules while still creating a dish that feels celebratory. It offers the familiar enjoyment of a baked pizza, but with ingredients that align with fasting traditions. The use of an OTG ensures that the base becomes crisp without deep frying, making it a wholesome choice for family meals or festive gatherings.