Bon Appetit/February 2006

Caramelized-Onion Flatbreads with Creme Fraiche

Servings Preparation Time Cooking Time Calories Saturated Fat Fat Sodium Carbohydrates Protein Cholesterol
6


INGREDIENTS:
BREAD DOUGH: 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water (105 F to 115 F) 3/4 teaspoon active dry yeast 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon nigella (kalonji) seeds 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
CARAMELIZED ONIONS: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound onions (about 2 medium), cut into 1/3-inch-thick wedges through root ends 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon Sherry wine vinegar 1/2 cup creme fraiche
1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Semolina flour (pasta flour) or cornmeal 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives



1 FOR BREAD DOUGH: Whisk 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water and yeast in small bowl; let stand until yeast is dissolved, about 10 minutes.
2 Mix flour, nigella seeds, and salt in medium bowl. Add yeast mixture and stir with wooden spoon until mixture clumps together. Add butter; mix until incorporated. Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces; roll each into ball. Place on baking sheet; cover with plastic wrap.
3 FOR CARAMELIZED ONIONS: Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion wedges to skillet and cook without turning until beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Carefully turn onions over; reduce heat to medium and continue to cook until onions are tender and brown, occasionally stirring gently, about 10 minutes. Add thyme and honey; cook 1 minute. Stir in vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove skillet from heat.
4 Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled, about 1 hour.
5 Whisk creme fraiche and egg in small bowl to blend. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
6 Preheat oven to 450 F. Sprinkle 2 rimmed baking sheets lightly with semolina flour. Roll out each dough ball to 5-inch round. Transfer 3 rounds to each prepared baking sheet. Let rest 10 minutes. Pierce dough rounds all over with fork. Spread 1 generous tablespoon creme fraiche mixture over each dough round, leaving 1/4-inch plain border. Arrange onions evenly atop each; drizzle lightly with creme fraiche mixture (mixture may spill over edges of dough).
7 Bake flatbreads until crusts are puffed and golden, about 12 minutes. Transfer to plates; sprinkle with chives.

Back