Pizza Dough Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce

I recently read about Chef Joanna Chang's approach to using supermarket staples for making Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. I was looking for an appetizer that was tasty, yet not too labor intensive. I decided to try Chef Chang's scallion pancakes with soy dipping sauce. All I can say is WOW. The toughest part was driving to my local pizza shop for the dough. I had to deal with Vinnie saying.."my pizza no good for you???" I didn't feel like explaining the scallion pancake deal, I bought a slice with the dough just to shut him up.

I'm sure Chef Chang's pancakes came out flatter and more attractive than mine. Even though they were somewhat puffy, everyone loved them, especially the warm center that reminded my friends of a fresh soft pretzel. I promise you these won't disappoint.

• 5 scallions 4 minced 1 sliced
• 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 pound pizza dough room temperature
• 2 Tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup canola oil

In a small bowl mix the minced scallions with 1 Tablespoon of sesame oil. Add salt. Slice dough in half. Roll out each piece of dough to a large rectangle. Mine turned out to be about 4' x 8' inches. I had to really stretch the dough as it kept wanting to snap back into a ball. Spread the scallion mixture over dough, leaving a 1 inch border. Beginning at wide end, roll up dough as if you were making a jelly roll. Pinch ends to seal. Coil each roll of dough into a round, tucking end under the coil.Cover for about 20 minutes.

For dipping sauce, combine sliced scallions, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, soy sauce, water and vinegar in a bowl.

After 20 minutes uncover dough. Using a large rolling pin roll out dough coil into a flat circle.(some of the scallion mixture will come out, don't worry about it) I had to stretch the dough with my hands, it was somewhat difficult getting it flat.

In a large skillet, heat canola oil. When the oil is hot, place 1 pancake in pan. It took about 1 to 2 minutes per side.(watch as they brown quickly) If I burnt them I really didn't want to go back to get more dough and deal with Vinnie again. Flip over pancake when golden. I used a spatula to flatten dough as it cooked, this seemed to work well. Drain on paper towels. Cut into quarters and serve with soy dipping sauce. Thank you chef Chang your a genius. Vinnie your a genius too. :)