Flatbread with Pancetta, Mozzarella, and Asparagus

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
• 1 teaspoon dry yeast
• 6.7 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups), divided
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Cooking spray
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 ounces pancetta, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 cup very thinly vertically sliced asparagus
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Preparation

1. 1. Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 5.6 ounces (about 1 1/4 cups) flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt to yeast mixture; stir until blended. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining 1.1 ounces (about 1/4 cup) flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (the dough will feel sticky).
2. 2. 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, 45 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If an indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.)
3. 3. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add thyme, pancetta, and garlic to pan; sauté 5 minutes or until pancetta is crisp. Stir in pepper.
4. 4. Preheat oven to 475°.
5. 5. Place a baking sheet in oven for 15 minutes to preheat. Punch dough down; cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Stretch dough into a 10-inch circle on a floured surface. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornmeal on preheated baking sheet, and place dough on sheet. Spread pancetta mixture evenly over dough. Arrange thinly vertically sliced asparagus over pancetta mixture; sprinkle evenly with shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Bake flatbread at 475° for 10 minutes or until crust is golden. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Cut flatbread into 8 wedges.