Soft Socca with Summer Squash, Basil and Gruyere

Popular in areas of France (socca) and Italy (farinata) is a naturally gluten-free flatbread made from chickpea flour. The toppings in this recipe can be varied according to your taste.

Ingredients:

For the socca:

  • 1 3/4 C (7 oz./220 g) chickpea flour
  • 1 1/2 T olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • 1 1/2 t minced fresh rosemary
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 1/2 T olive oil
  • 1/2 t red pepper flakes
  • 1 lb. (500 g) yellow squash or zucchini, sliced
  • 1 1/2 C (9 oz./280 g) minced red onion
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 T balsamic vinegar
  • 2 1/2 C (about 7 oz./220 g) coarsely grated aged Gruyère or Comté cheese (We used Dubliner as we had leftovers!)
  • 1/3 C (1/2 oz./15 g) chopped fresh basil
  1. To make the socca, in a bowl, combine 2 C (16 fl. oz./500 ml) water, the chickpea flour, the 1 1/2 T olive oil, rosemary, 3/4 t salt and a generous amount of pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Preheat an oven to 325°F (165° C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and brush lightly with oil. Lightly brush a 10-inch (25-cm) nonstick fry pan (with a 7 1/2-inch/19-cm base) with oil and warm over medium-high heat until very hot.
  3. Add about one-fourth of the batter and swirl to coat the pan. Cook until air bubbles appear on the top and the bottom is brown, about 2 minutes. Using a silicone spatula, turn the socca over and cook until spotted brown on the bottom, about 1 minute longer. Turn over onto the parchment. Repeat to cook the remaining batter, forming 4 total. Bake for 5 minutes to cook through. 4.While the socca is baking, in a large nonstick fry pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the pepper flakes and then the squash and red onion. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Sauté until the squash is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and stir until evaporated. Remove from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  4. Remove the socca from the oven, and sprinkle the cheese on top. Divide the squash mixture among the socca.
  5. Return to the oven and cook until the cheese melts, about 4 minutes. Transfer 1 socca to each of 4 warmed plates. Sprinkle with basil and serve immediately.