How to make the Ligurian Farinata

If you’ve ever visited the beautiful region of Liguria in Italy, you must have encountered the delectable specialty called Farinata. This traditional dish, also known as socca in France, is a versatile and delicious treat that is enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. Made from just a few simple ingredients, it is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make your own mouthwatering Ligurian Farinata.

First, let’s talk about the key ingredient of this dish: chickpea flour. Chickpea flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour or gram flour, is made from finely ground dried chickpeas. It is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a healthy and nutritious choice. You can find chickpea flour at most specialty or health food stores, and even online.

To make the Ligurian Farinata, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup chickpea flour
– 1¼ cups water
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Optional: rosemary sprigs, thinly sliced red onions, or other desired toppings

Now, let’s get started with the preparation:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, water, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Leave the mixture to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. This resting time is important to allow the flour to hydrate and develop the desired texture.

2. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish in the oven to heat up for about 10 minutes. This will ensure a crispy bottom for your Farinata.

3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and generously grease it with olive oil, making sure to coat the bottom and sides.

4. Give the chickpea flour mixture a good stir and pour it into the prepared skillet. The batter should be fairly thin, similar to pancake batter.

5. If desired, add your chosen toppings. Traditionally, rosemary sprigs are placed on top of the Farinata, but you can also experiment with thinly sliced red onions, olives, or other flavorful additions.

6. Place the skillet back into the oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the center is set.

7. Once the Ligurian Farinata is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It is traditionally served warm or at room temperature.

8. Cut the Farinata into wedges and serve as is or with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

The Ligurian Farinata is perfect for sharing with friends and family on a casual evening or even for a light lunch. Its rich and savory flavors, coupled with the crispy edges, make it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of Liguria, give this easy recipe a try and transport yourself to the picturesque streets of Italy. Enjoy!