Elevate Your Pizza Night: Fig, Arugula, and Feta Flatbread

Elevate Your Pizza Night: Fig, Bacon, and Feta Flatbread

November 2023. The Tuscan countryside, with its rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards, was a feast for the senses. I had rented a small villa, eager to immerse myself in the region's culinary traditions. One afternoon, while exploring a local farmer's market, I encountered a sight that was both rustic and elegant: flatbread pizzas topped with crispy bacon, vibrant figs, peppery arugula, and creamy feta. The combination was so unexpected, yet so utterly enticing. I couldn't resist trying a slice. The first bite was a revelation. The thin, crispy crust provided the perfect canvas for the sweet, jammy figs, which were balanced beautifully by the salty delight of the bacon and the tangy feta. The medley of flavors was both sophisticated and comforting, a testament to the simplicity and quality of Tuscan ingredients. Each bite was a journey through the heart of the region, connecting me to the land and its bountiful offerings. Inspired by this delightful encounter, I've returned to my own kitchen, determined to recreate the magic of that Tuscan flatbread. While I may not have the same sun-kissed figs or the same Tuscan air, I strive to capture the essence of that unforgettable flavor combination and share the joy of this simple yet elegant dish with others.

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Fig, Arugula, and Feta Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Yields: 1 large flatbread Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made flatbread or pizza dough

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 6-8 ripe figs, sliced

• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

• 2 cups fresh arugula

• 1 yellow onion

• 1/2 lb of bacon

• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Baking sheet or pizza stone

• Oven

Instructions

Prepare the Flatbread:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. If using pizza dough, roll it out to your desired thickness.

3. Brush the flatbread or dough with olive oil.

Prepare Cooked Ingredients:

1. Add bacon to a medium frying pan

2. Fry bacon until light crisp

3. Remove bacon from pan but leave bacon grease

4. Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces

5. Chop onions and add to a pan

6. Sautè on medium using bacon grease heat until tender

Add the Ingredients:

1. Evenly distribute cooked ingredients over the flatbread

2. Arrange the sliced figs generously.

3. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the figs.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake:

Place the flatbread on a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the figs are softened.

Add the Arugula:

1. Remove the flatbread from the oven and immediately add the fresh arugula.

2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.

Slice and Serve:

Slice the flatbread into wedges and serve warm.