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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the socca from the oven, and sprinkle the cheese on top. Divide the squash mixture among the socca.
- 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.