Farinata
Oh my, farinata is such a delicious snack from the Liguria region, in the north west of Italy around Genoa.
Farinata resembles pizza, but has a crispy exterior and a softer interior texture. It’s made with really simple, humble ingredients – just chickpea flour, water, olive oil & salt - and that makes them gluten free (GF) and vegan (V).
Serve on their own with a dip, or with toppings of your choice. I have added some extra flavour to my farinata with fresh rosemary – and have topped one with gorgonzola for a rich, creamy tangy taste.
Utterly delicious as a quick snack, perfect for any time of the day.
Mangia, mangia! 👩🏻🍳
Farinata with melting gorgonzola
Farinata recipe:
300ml water
150g chickpea flour (sifted)
1 tsp of salt
2 tbsps of extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tbsps rosemary, chopped
50g gorgonzola for 1 farinata (optional)
Vegetable oil for cooking
Makes 2 medium farinatas
1. First, make the batter. Add the water to a large mixing bowl and whisk in the chickpea flour and olive oil and leave to rest covered for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to an hour.
2. After the 30 minutes whisk in the salt, pepper and rosemary.
3. Preheat the oven to 200C fan. Heat a 20cm non-stick pan over a medium-high heat. Tip - cover the handle of the pan in foil to protect it when in the oven. When hot, add a thin layer of vegetable oil to the base of the pan. Pour in half of the batter, let it bubble for a minute.
4. Put in the oven and bake without turning for about 10-15 minutes, or until its thoroughly cooked through and golden brown on top. Note - just check after 10 minutes and if still not golden brown then continue cooking keeping an eye on it.
5. Once cooked take out of the oven with gloves as the pan handle will be hot and transfer to a plate and keep warm and repeat the same for the 2nd farinata.
6. This is optional - add small blobs of gorgonzola to one of the farinatas then return to the oven for a couple of minutes until the cheese has started to melt.
7. To serve cut the farinatas into wedges. They are delicious plain or served with a dip or toppings of your choice.
