Idaho Potato Crusted Pizza

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 pounds Idaho potatoes (about 4 medium), scrubbed
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into rings
4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 to 10 fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, and cornstarch; set aside.

Using a food processor or mandoline, slice potatoes very thinly and place them in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle half of the cornstarch mixture over the potato slices; toss the potatoes, then sprinkle them with the remaining cornstarch mixture, and toss again.

Brush 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over a 12-inch round pizza pan. Layer the potatoes on the pan, overlapping the slices in concentric circles. Cover the pan completely. Sprinkle the potatoes with the broth, brush them with the remaining oil, then press the potatoes down firmly with your clean hands to compact them into a crust. Move the oven rack to its lowest position, and bake the potato crust for 20 to 30 minutes or until edges are browned and potatoes are tender.

Remove the potato crust from the oven and spread the pesto over the potatoes using a rubber spatula. Top the pizza with the cooked chicken, pepper rings, feta, and Parmesan cheese. Return the pizza to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until feta is softened and the pizza is heated through. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with basil and cut into wedges. Use a spatula to loosen the potato crust from the pan.

Makes 6 main-course servings.
 

Nutrition information: About 430 calories, 854 milligrams sodium, 18 grams protein, 24 grams fat, 37 grams carbohydrate.