Sweet Caramelized Onion and Apple Socca Pizza

Socca, also called farinata, is a thin flatbread made with garbanzo bean flour. It is ideal as a pizza base for those avoiding gluten or grains. I was having serious pizza cravings, but couldn't decide what topping combination I wanted, since cheese is out of the question and I wasn't in the mood for a traditional tomato based pizza. Browsing my fridge, I had a spark of inspiration and decided to caramelize an onion and add apple slices on top! The combination of the tart onion with sweet apple was truly divine. After it cooked, I drizzled on a balsamic/lemon juice dressing which brought the flavors to the next level!

Serves 1

For the Socca base, you will need:

• 1/3 cup garbanzo bean flour
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• dried herbs of choice (I used oregano and thyme)
• 1/3 cup water

toppings:

• 1/4 large white onion, sliced
• coconut oil
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp coconut sugar (for 'sweet' onions)
• 1 apple (I used Fuji)

Directions:

To prepare your socca crust batter, combine all the base ingredients in a bowl and let sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. The socca turns out better the longer the batter sits. Grease a small cast iron skillet and pour in the batter.

To caramelize your onion, heat a skillet over medium and melt the coconut oil. Add the onion and turn the heat down to medium low. Let the onion cook in the oil for a few minutes, then add the apple cider vinegar and sugar. Let the onion simmer in the vinegar until it becomes translucent. Cut your apple into thin slices to layer.

Once the onions are almost done, turn on your oven's "broil" setting and set the temperature to 500F. Place the cast iron skillet with the batter into the oven, and let this cook until the top of the socca looks slightly cooked and hardened, about 5 minutes. With an oven mitt, remove the skillet from the oven and add on the onion and apple slices. Return the skillet back to the oven (preferably on the lower rack) and let this cook for another 10-12 minutes, until the apple softens and the crust browns nicely.

Carefully remove the pizza from the skillet, dress with a little balsamic vinegar and fresh lemon juice, and devour!

Enjoy! :)