Farinata
Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Socca_slices_Nice.jpg
Farinata is a traditional Italian dish from the Liguria region, made from a simple batter of chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. This thin, savory pancake is baked in a large, shallow pan, resulting in a crispy, golden crust with a soft, slightly creamy interior. The flavor is rich and nutty, thanks to the chickpea flour, and it’s often seasoned with a sprinkle of rosemary or black pepper. And because it's chickpea based, it's also gluten-free!
Farinata is typically enjoyed as a snack or appetizer and is often served hot, straight from the oven, cut into wedges or squares. Its simplicity makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of toppings, such as caramelized onions, olives, or fresh herbs. In some regions, it’s also served alongside cheese or cold cuts for a more substantial meal.
Though it originates from Liguria, farinata has variations across Italy and even in other Mediterranean countries, where it’s known by different names, like socca in Nice, France.
Farinata Recipe (Italian Gluten-Free Chickpea Pancake)
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- Chickpea flour – 1 cup
- Water – 1¼ cups
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons (plus extra for greasing and drizzling)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh rosemary – 1-2 sprigs (optional)
- Black pepper – To taste (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the chickpea flour to remove lumps.
- Gradually whisk in the water to form a smooth, thin batter.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the salt, whisking to combine.
- Cover the bowl and let the batter rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet or baking pan inside to heat.
Step 3: Cook the Farinata
- Carefully remove the hot skillet or pan from the oven and coat it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Give the batter a final whisk, then pour it into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and black pepper on top, if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the top is golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, broil the farinata for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the farinata cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges or squares.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil and serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Farinata can be enjoyed as a simple appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to a meal. Pair it with:
- Fresh salads
- Cheeses
- Charcuterie boards
| Name_ | Farinata |
|---|---|
| Origin_ | 🇮🇹 Italy |
| Morphology_ | ☰ flat |
| Flavor_ | savory |
| Filling_ | none |
| Topping_ | spices |
| Recipe_ | Farinata Recipe |
| « All Pancakes_ | |