Farinata (Socca)

Farinata is a thin Italian chickpea flatbread made with chickpea flour and seasoned with salt and herbs. Commonly found in the streets of Italy, you can make this easy appetizer at home with a few simple ingredients.

A great way to shake up dinner time is to add an easy appetizer or side dish! Some fan favorites include antipasto salad, easy cheesy garlic bread, and this whipped feta dip.

What is Farinata?

Farinata in the Italian language means, “made of flour.” This Farinata recipe uses chickpea flour, water, olive oil, salt, and herbs. Simple ingredients that make a gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan-friendly appetizer. The thin unleavened batter is baked in a round cast iron skillet and creates crispy edges with a tender center. Farinata is also called socca and is often referred to as a flatbread, pancake, or crepe. It doesn’t require any yeast but results in a very tasty outcome!

I love no-yeast bread recipes because they are so quick and easy to make. They usually don’t need much attention and come together in a pinch. There are so many reasons to make bread at home. A few of my favorite no-yeast recipes are this butter beer bread, this amazing soda bread, and this simple no-yeast flatbread.

Ingredients Needed

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this an appetizer or side dish to any meal! It’s also gluten-free if any of your guests have restrictions. Follow the exact measurements below on the recipe card.

• Chickpea Flour: Store-bought chickpea flour makes this recipe easy.
• Warm Water: Helps to absorb the chickpea flour.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Prevents sticking in the pan and with the batter.
• Salt: I love to use Kosher salt or coarse salt in this recipe. Sometimes a sprinkle of black pepper is also delicious.
• Fresh Rosemary: Traditional Farinata doesn’t have rosemary or herbs, but the added flavor is delicious! Just a little goes a long way and feel free to use any herbs you like. Add an extra sprinkling on top!

Farinata Recipe

Making the batter for this Farinata recipe is quick and easy! Allow time for the water to absorb into the chickpea flour then it bakes up perfectly. Follow the exact instructions below for the best success.

1. Preheat Oven and Skillet: Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat at the same time.
2. Make and Rest the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk the water into the chickpea flour until combined. Add in 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, salt, and rosemary then whisk until smooth. Set aside for 25-30 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the water.
3. Brush the Skillet with Oil: When you have a very hot oven and the batter has had time to rest, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Brush it with the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the hot pan and put it back in the oven. Bake for 17-20 minutes, until the edges are toasted and the center is fully baked. It’s better to overbake it and have it be crispier than to underbake it and have it too soft.
5. Cool and Slice: Let it cool before slicing and serving.