Raipur has recently become famous for its unique and viral street food, the Fire Kulhad Pizza. This amazing dish combines the classic flavors of pizza with a traditional kulhad (clay cup) presentation, and it’s taking the city by storm.
If you’re in Raipur or planning to visit, tasting this Rs. 100 delicacy is a must. Let’s dive into the details of how it’s made, what makes it special, and why you should try it.
What is Fire Kulhad Pizza
Fire Kulhad Pizza is a creative twist on the traditional pizza. Instead of a typical flat crust, this pizza is baked in a clay kulhad, giving it a rustic, smoky flavor. The preparation process is fascinating and happens right in front of your eyes at a small street stall. The combination of ingredients and the unique cooking method make this dish both tasty and visually exciting.
The Making Process: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Setting Up the Coal and Sigdi
The process begins with setting up a sigdi, a traditional Indian stove. The sigdi is filled with hot coal to create the heat needed to bake the pizza. The vendor skillfully arranges the setup, placing a stand where the kulhads will be positioned later.
2. Preparing the Kulhad
The kulhad (clay cup) is a vital part of the pizza-making process. It gives the pizza a distinct earthy flavor and holds the stuffing inside. The vendor ensures the kulhad is clean and ready for filling. Each kulhad is capable of holding a generous amount of ingredients, making this street food surprisingly filling.
3. Cutting the Paneer
Once the setup is ready, the vendor begins by cutting fresh paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Paneer adds richness and texture to the pizza, making it both soft and flavorful. The paneer is cut into small cubes, which will later be part of the stuffing.
4. Adding Fresh Vegetables and Sauces
After the paneer is ready, fresh capsicum (bell peppers) and other vegetables are cut. The vendor adds these veggies to the kulhad along with tomato sauce, chat masala, and other spices. This blend of ingredients gives the pizza its spicy and tangy flavor. The vegetables add a crunchy texture, while the masala provides a burst of flavor in every bite.
5. Layering with Cheese
No pizza is complete without cheese, and the Fire Kulhad Pizza doesn’t disappoint! After adding the vegetables and sauces, the vendor generously layers the pizza with cheese. But that’s not all. The vendor adds a second layer of cheese on top, making sure the pizza is extra cheesy. This double-layer of cheese is what makes the kulhad pizza so irresistible. As the cheese melts during the baking process, it gives the pizza a creamy and gooey texture.
6. Baking the Pizza in the Kulhad
Now comes the exciting part! The kulhads filled with the pizza ingredients are placed on the hot sigdi. The vendor ensures the kulhads are evenly distributed, with about 12 kulhads baking at a time. As the pizza cooks, the cheese melts perfectly, and the smoky flavor from the coal starts infusing into the dish. The vendor leaves the kulhad pizzas to bake for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
7. Adding Final Touches
Once the baking is done, the vendor tops off the pizza with some more fresh capsicum and oregano. These final touches not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of freshness and seasoning to the pizza. The result is a beautifully crafted pizza that is served hot, straight out of the kulhad, with the cheese melting and stretching as you take your first bite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams (cubed) |
| Capsicum (Bell Peppers) | 1 small (chopped) |
| Onion | 1 small (chopped) |
| Tomato | 1 small (chopped) |
| Pizza Sauce | 4-5 tablespoons |
| Tomato Sauce | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Cheese (Mozzarella/Processed) | 200 grams (grated) |
| Chat Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili Flakes (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Bread slices or Pizza Base | 2-4 (broken/cubed) |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons (for greasing) |
| Kulhad (Clay Cups) | 6-8 cups |
| Additional Vegetables (optional) | As desired (e.g., sweet corn, olives, mushrooms) |
| Salt | To taste |
The Fire Kulhad Pizza is not just about its looks or preparation method. The taste is what keeps people coming back for more. The pizza has a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors. The paneer adds a soft and creamy element, while the vegetables give a crunchy bite. The cheese pull is impressive, with a thick layer of melted cheese stretching with every bite, just like a traditional pizza.
The use of spices, especially the chat masala, gives the pizza a uniquely Indian twist. The tangy and spicy notes elevate the overall flavor, making it different from any other pizza you’ve had. Plus, the kulhad itself adds an earthy, rustic flavor that you won’t find in regular pizzas. It’s a taste you have to experience to believe.
Why You Should Try Fire Kulhad Pizza
Fire Kulhad Pizza is not just about eating pizza; it’s about experiencing a fusion of Indian street food with a globally loved dish. Here’s why you should try it:
- Unique Presentation: The pizza is served in a traditional clay kulhad, giving it a unique look and flavor.
- Affordable: At just Rs. 100, this is one of the best deals for pizza lovers.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of Indian spices, fresh vegetables, paneer, and lots of cheese makes this pizza mouth-watering.
- Viral Street Food: This pizza is viral for a reason! People from all over Raipur (and beyond) are flocking to try this amazing dish.
Location and Timing: Where to Find It
The Fire Kulhad Pizza stall is located in Raipur, and it has become one of the most popular spots in the city for street food lovers. The stall is open every day of the week. Here are the opening hours:
- Sunday: 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Other Days: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this stall is a must-visit. The best time to go is in the evening when the pizza is freshly baked and served hot.
Fire Kulhad Pizza is a fantastic example of how street food in India is evolving, combining global trends with local flavors. If you’re in Raipur, don’t miss the chance to try this viral and delicious pizza for just Rs. 100. The rich flavors, unique cooking style, and the use of a traditional kulhad make this dish one of a kind. So head over to the streets of Raipur and treat yourself to this cheesy, spicy delight!
