Farinata di ceci recipe is so simple to make, contains only 3 ingredients and makes a delicious chickpea flatbread which is gluten, dairy free and vegan.
Farinata Italiana is a classic dish from Liguria region, a chickpea flour omelette, oven backed, served in most pizzerias as a starter. There is a similar dish in Nice, not surprising considering how geographically close they are, called “Socca”. Find out more about the history of Farinata here.
As I mentioned before, the chickpea flatbread is originated from Liguria, a region is narrow and long region. Made up by hills and stunning golfs, with a long coastline is enjoying a mild climate and a healthy vegetation.
From many maritime pines, pine nuts are harvested, and several wild herbs are used in daily cooking. Fish is abundant and numerous varieties of species on the coast. Whist inland, the olives, wild mushrooms, rabbits, nuts, and garden vegetables are the staples of the kitchen.
Would you like to find out more about Italian cuisine, check out this guide on the traditional Italian food by region.
Is chickpea flatbread gluten free?
Chickpea flour is typically made from a variety called Bengal grams, and is gluten free, in fact is often used to substitute wheat flour for gluten free dishes.
Looking for more Gluten Free dishes, check out our family favourites:
Can I make chickpea flour at home?
Simply place dry chickpeas in a spice or coffee grinder, or in a powerful blender and grind them to a fine powder. Then sieve the flour to remove any larger lumps.
What to serve with Farinata Italiana?
In Italy, farinata di ceci recipe is baked in the oven and served as an appetizer, very popular in pizzerias especially due to its cooking method. If we are having guests over I usually substitute Farinata for bread and display it on the table along side olives, cured meat and cheese.
Let's make Farinata Italiana
Ingredients:
- 150 g chickpea flour
- 500 ml water
- 30 ml extra virgin olive oil plus some to oil the trays
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Watch our video for step by step instructions
Method:
1 Pour the chickpea flour in a large bowl, add ½ of the water and whisk well to avoid any lumps. Then add the remaining water whisking continuously.
2 Cover with cling film and rest for at least 4 hours.
3 Remove the cling film, with a ladle, discard any foam that has formed on the surface, then add the olive oil and salt and whisk until oil is fully incorporated.
4 Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 200C placing the oiled tray inside.
5 Carefully pour half of the mix in the hot tray, place in the oven and cook for about 7 minutes, or until the surface will be golden in colour.
6 Dust with black pepper, cut in strips and serve immediately.
HINT AND TIPS:
Serving Farinata Italiana with a dusting of pepper is a classic, but if you are not a fan, try grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Farinata di Ceci Recipe
Equipment
- Whisk
- Ladle
- 2 non stick trays 30 cm x 40 cm or equivalent
Ingredients
- 150 g chickpea flour
- 500 ml water
- 30 ml extra virgin olive oil plus some to oil the trays
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pour the chickpea flour in a large bowl, add ½ of the water and whisk well to avoid any lumps. Then add the remaining water whisking continuously.
- Cover with cling film and rest for at least 4 hours.
- Remove the cling film, with a ladle, discard any foam that has formed on the surface, then add the olive oil and salt and whisk until oil is fully incorporated.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 200C placing the oiled tray inside.
- Carefully pour half of the mix in the hot tray, place in the oven and cook for about 7 minutes, or until the surface will be golden in colour.
- Dust with black pepper, cut in strips and serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
We hope you have enjoyed this Farinata di ceci recipe from Liguria, share it with your friends and family. This recipe has become one of my family favourites, especially when the guests come over. It makes a great alternative to appetizers and great addition to sharing platters.
Nevertheless, let’s not forget about apperitves, we have some lovely easy to prepare cocktail recipes which you and your guests will love:
Loving this recipe? You must try our Zucchini pesto, just remember to cook a bit extra pasta for a pasta frittata the next day!
Have you tried this recipe? Please rate it and leave the comments below, we would love to know what you thought about it!
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Chickpea flour is such a great ingredient – I love it. This is a wonderful recipe!
I never knew you could make chickpea flatbread – can’t wait to try it!
Wow, looks so yummy
This italian farinata di ceci is making me crave! Looks really delicious!
Interesting. I’ve never heard of this before! Any suggestions on what to serve it with?
Sara, Farinata is a great dish served as appetizer together with some olives and cured meat. Farinata is also a great alternative to bread on the table.
I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol! Must print the recipe.
I’ve not heard of farinata di ceci before, will give it a shot! Great recipe, thanks.
I heard that Liguria is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. I’ve never eaten Farinata, I can’t even imagine the exact taste, but I would like to.
I would love to make this. Myself and the children are making so many Italian dishes in lockdown. It’s great having more time to do them.
I do love your recipes! Any other gorgeous looking dish – delicious:)
Love how simple this sounds. I have never used chickpea flour!
Your posts make me so hungry. delicious
I love Italian food and I’ve been looking for a recipe like this to try. Thank you 😊
I miss good Italian food! And chickpeas are much healthier than normal flour as well
Can’t wait to try this!
Mire amazing food suggestions! I would hire you as my private chef! I am so trying this!
Oh wow this looks delicious! And looks simple enough to give it a go too 🙂 thanks for sharing x
You have so many amazing recipes! These sound simple to make so we’ll give it a try x
Love this, it looks and sounds so good!
Oh wow this looks delicious! And looks simple enough to give it a go. love this.
What size baking tray did you use?
Hi, thank you for your message. I used a nonstick baking tray that measured 30 cm by 40 cm.