Ingredients

  • Flatbread:
  • Dash of sugar
  • 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons warm water (100° to 110°), divided
  • 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons bread flour, divided (about 10 2/3 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal, divided
  • Toppings:
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons extravirgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 cups thinly sliced spring onions (about 2 1/2 pounds)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (1-inch pieces) asparagus (about 1 pound)
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) fontina cheese, shredded

Method

  • To prepare flatbread, dissolve sugar and yeast in 1/4 cup water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups and spoons; level with a knife. Add 1/4 cup flour to yeast mixture, stirring with a whisk. Cover and let stand 30 minutes (mixture will be bubbly); uncover. Add 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons water to yeast mixture. Add 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of the remaining 3 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel sticky).
  • Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)
  • Punch dough down, and divide in half. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), roll each portion into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Place 1 dough circle on a pizza peel sprinkled with 1 tablespoon cornmeal.
  • Place a pizza stone on the bottom rack in oven. Preheat oven to 500°.
  • To prepare toppings, combine 2 1/2 teaspoons oil and garlic in a bowl; let stand 30 minutes.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add spring onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt to pan. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and cook for 3 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently.
  • Cook asparagus in boiling water 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain; rinse under cold water. Drain.
  • Brush dough circle with half of the garlic mixture; arrange half of the asparagus and onion mixture over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with half of shredded cheese. Slide dough onto preheated pizza stone. Bake at 500° for 9 minutes or until lightly browned. Repeat procedure with the remaining dough circle, cornmeal, garlic mixture, asparagus, onion mixture, and shredded cheese. Serve immediately.