Farinata di Ceci
Ligurian Chickpea Flatbread
A traditional Ligurian specialty, Farinata di Ceci is a thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour, baked until golden and crispy. It's incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a long resting period for the batter to develop its characteristic flavor and texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Chickpea flour(Also known as gram flour or besan. Ensure it's fresh for best flavor.)
- 600 ml Water(Room temperature water is fine.)
- 80 ml Extra virgin olive oil(Plus more for greasing the pan.)
- 1 teaspoon Fine sea salt(Or to taste. Adjust based on preference.)
- generous pinch Freshly ground black pepper(To taste. Essential for flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary leaves(Optional, finely chopped. Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour and water until completely smooth. Ensure there are no lumps. The batter should be thin, similar to heavy cream.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the batter rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting period is crucial for the flour to hydrate fully and for the batter to develop flavor and a lighter texture.
⏱️ 4+ hours - 3
After resting, you may notice a foam or scum on the surface of the batter. Gently skim this off with a spoon. Stir in 60 ml (about 4 tablespoons) of the olive oil and the salt. If using rosemary, stir it in now.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally 250°C (480°F) or higher. Place a large, shallow oven-safe skillet (cast iron or heavy-duty non-stick, about 25-30 cm / 10-12 inches in diameter) in the oven to heat up for at least 10-15 minutes. Add the remaining 20 ml (about 1.5 tablespoons) of olive oil to the hot skillet just before pouring the batter; it should shimmer immediately.
⏱️ 15 minutes (preheating) - 5
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Give the batter a quick stir, then pour it into the shimmering hot oil in a thin, even layer. The batter should sizzle upon contact. Work quickly to ensure even distribution.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Return the skillet to the hot oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the farinata is golden brown around the edges and the top is set and slightly blistered. It should be firm to the touch and have crispy edges.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 7
Remove from the oven. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper just before serving.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The long resting time for the batter is non-negotiable; it allows the chickpea flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a tender interior and crispy edges.
- ✓Aim for a very thin layer of batter in the pan. The thinner the farinata, the crispier it will be.
- ✓Baking at the highest possible oven temperature is key to achieving the characteristic crispy texture and golden-brown color.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add thinly sliced onions (cooked or raw) to the batter before baking.
- Incorporate cooked crumbled sausage or other cooked meats into the batter.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or sage.