The next time you're craving pizza, don't order it, make it a little healthier, a little smarter, and a whole lot more fun. Ready in just 10 minutes of cooking time, these Moong Dal Pizza Cups are perfect for a quick breakfast, office or school tiffin, evening snack, or even those late night pizza cravings. With a protein rich moong dal base, colourful vegetables, paneer and gooey cheese, they're a delicious twist on everyone's favourite comfort food.

Moong Dal Pizza Cups
Prep time: 15 minutes active, plus 2 to 3 hours soaking | Makes: 10 to 12 cups

For the cups
1 cup yellow moong dal (dhuli), soaked 2 to 3 hours
1 green chilli
Salt to taste
Oil, for greasing

For the topping
3 to 4 tbsp pizza or pasta sauce
1/4 cup capsicum, finely chopped
1/4 cup sweet corn
2 tbsp onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato, finely chopped
1/4 cup grated cheese
1/4 cup paneer, crumbled
Oregano and chilli flakes, to taste
A few black olives, sliced (optional)

Method
Drain the soaked dal and grind it with the green chilli, salt and a little water into a thick, smooth batter, similar to chilla batter. Heat a greased appe pan. Spoon batter into each cavity and spread it up the sides with the back of a spoon, leaving the centre hollow, like a small cup. Cook on low to medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes till the base sets and holds its shape. Fill each cup with sauce, vegetables, paneer and cheese. Top with oregano, chilli flakes and a slice of olive. Cover and cook on low flame for 2 minutes, till the cheese melts and the base is fully cooked. Cool slightly, then pack.

Why it works
Moong dal replaces the usual maida pizza base, giving the same bite with a lot more protein and fibre, and none of the sogginess by lunchtime.
Nutrilumen