Caramelized Onion & White Bean Flatbread

Caramelized Onion and White Bean Flatbread
This recipe uses mashed beans as a base rather than the usual tomato sauce or pesto. The delicious result is more protein and a very tasty pizza.

Ingredients

* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 each large onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 20 ounces prepared whole-wheat pizza dough, thawed if frozen (see Ingredient notes)
* 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
* 1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed
* 3 tablespoons water
* 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
* 2 each plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
* 1 cup finely shredded smoked Gouda or Cheddar cheese
* 2 tablespoons pepitas (see Ingredient notes), optional

Directions
1. Place oven rack in the lowest position; preheat to 450°F. Coat a large noninsulated baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Combine oil, onion and salt in a medium saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the onion is softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and golden, 5 to 8 minutes more.
3. Meanwhile, roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to the size of the baking sheet. Transfer to the baking sheet. Bake until puffed and lightly crisped on the bottom, 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Stir oregano and pepper into the onion. Transfer half the onion to a small bowl. Add beans to the remaining onion; cook over medium heat, stirring often, until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the bean mixture to a food processor, add water and vinegar and pulse until a coarse paste forms.
5. Spread the bean paste over the pizza crust. Top with the reserved onion, tomatoes, cheese and pepitas, if using. Bake on the bottom rack until the crust is crispy and golden and the cheese is melted, 11 to 13 minutes. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Information
Per serving
Calories: 361
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Potassium: 296mg
Sodium: 575mg
Nutrition Bonus: Fiber (24% daily value).