We Cook! Mill’s Tavern Flatbread with roasted tomato, pepper, onion, mozzarella, basil pesto

by Edward Bolus, Executive Chef, Mill’s Tavern

Flatbread with Roasted Tomato, Pepper, Onion, Fresh Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto (Serves 4):

This flatbread from Mill’s Tavern, with its delightful combination of fresh, seasonal toppings comes together quickly, making it an ideal appetizer or entree dish for all your summer gatherings!

INGREDIENTS:

For the Flatbread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
  

For the Toppings:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
  

For the Basil Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Flatbread:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
2. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into four equal parts and roll each part into a thin oval or circle.
4. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each flatbread for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and slightly puffy. Set them aside.

Roast the Vegetables:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a baking sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
   

Make the Basil Pesto:

1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   

Assemble the Flatbreads:

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
2. Place the cooked flatbreads on a baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of basil pesto over each flatbread.
3. Top with roasted tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the vegetables.
4. Place the flatbreads under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Serving:

1. Cut each flatbread into slices and serve immediately while warm.

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About Executive Chef Edward Bolus and Mill’s Tavern:

Edward Bolus is the Executive Chef at Mill’s Tavern, a fine dining establishment in a unique urban setting at the foot of historic College Hill, located at 101 North Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island, where he and his team deliver an impressive menu that combines local and seasonal ingredients in innovative and exciting new ways.

Chef Bolus’ knowledge and skills coupled with a passion for improvisation guarantees guests with a noteworthy and elevated dining experience. The Tavern’s fruits and vegetables are harvested from area farms, its chops and steaks are cut daily, and the seafood is always fresh.

Located in the century-old Pilgrim Mill’s Building in Providence, the Mill’s Tavern dining room has rustic brick walls, polished dark woods, vaulted casement ceilings and linen tablecloths that work together to impart a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance. A wood-burning oven—used in much of the cooking–glows cheerily from an open kitchen, where the bustle of busy chefs and food servers lends an energetic vibe. The sleekly designed and fully stocked bar serves a wide array of cocktails and beers, and also offers the opportunity for casual dining.

Additionally, Mills Tavern is known for its extensive and award-winning wine selection and was the recipient of Wine Spectator magazine’s “Award of Excellence” for 10 consecutive years. It was also named the best steakhouse in Rhode Island by Yelp, based on volume and ratings of reviews in 2023.