Arugula Pesto and Potato Pizza with Fennel Salad

Serves 4

Pan IconWHY THIS RECIPE WORKS: Pesto can serve as a flavorful pizza topping, and here we make our own, swapping out the usual basil for peppery arugula. Thinly sliced potatoes add the right starchy, creamy balance, while some shaved Parmesan complements the pesto and adds the requisite cheese component. While the potatoes are parcooking in the microwave, our pesto comes together quickly in the food processor. A side salad featuring fennel and arugula in a bright lemon and olive oil dressing is a snap to put together. You can use a mandoline or a food processor fitted with a slicing disk to prep the potatoes and fennel quickly. See Quick Prep Tip that follows the recipe.

1

pound small red potatoes, sliced 1/8 inch thick

½

cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

5

ounces (5 cups) baby arugula

¼

cup pine nuts, toasted

1

garlic clove, minced

1½

ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (¾ cup), plus 2 ounces shaved into long curls

Salt and pepper

1

pound pizza dough

1

tablespoon lemon juice

1

fennel bulb, stalks discarded, bulb halved, cored, and sliced thin

1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 500 degrees. Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil in bowl, cover, and microwave until potatoes are just tender, 3 to 7 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, process 2 cups arugula, ¼ cup oil, pine nuts, and garlic in food processor until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. Transfer to bowl, stir in grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Brush 1 tablespoon oil over rimmed baking sheet. On lightly floured counter, roll dough into 16 by 9-inch oval and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Spread pesto over dough, leaving ½-inch border around edge. Shingle potatoes over dough, then top with shaved Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and bake until edges of pizza are well browned, about 15 minutes.

4. While pizza bakes, whisk lemon juice with remaining 3 tablespoons oil in large bowl. Add remaining 3 cups arugula and fennel and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slice pizza into wedges and serve with salad.