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socca

Socca Recipe (Chickpea Flatbread)

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup  chickpea flour also called gram flour or besan
  • 1 cup  warm water
  • 3 tablespoons  olive oil divided (2 for the batter, 1 for the pan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon  black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon  cumin  optional but traditional

Method
 

  1. Whisk chickpea flour, salt, pepper, and cumin together in a bowl. Add warm water gradually, whisking to prevent lumps. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and whisk until completely smooth. Cover and rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes — up to 1 hour for best results.
  2. Set oven to broil. Place a 10–12 inch cast iron skillet inside and heat for at least 10 minutes until very hot.
  3. Remove the hot pan carefully using oven mitts. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat — it will smoke slightly. Pour the rested batter into the center and tilt the pan to spread evenly. The batter should sizzle on contact.
  4. Slide immediately back under the broiler. Cook 5–8 minutes until the top is golden with darker charred spots and the edges have pulled away from the sides of the pan. The center should look set, not wet.
  5. Rest 2 minutes in the pan. Slide onto a cutting board. Scatter flaky salt, fresh rosemary, and red pepper flakes over the surface while still hot. Cut into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The pan must be very hot before the batter goes in — this is what creates the crispy base and charred spots
  • Don’t use a non-stick pan for broiling — high heat can damage the coating; use cast iron or heavy stainless steel
  • Batter keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days — whisk before using as chickpea flour settles
  • Overnight batter rest in the fridge produces a more developed, less raw flavor
  • Stovetop method: cook in a hot oiled cast iron pan covered with a lid over medium-high for 4–5 minutes
  • Add za’atar or fresh rosemary directly to the batter before resting for extra flavor
  • Serve with muhammara, labneh, or creamy avocado dip alongside
  • Also called farinata (Italy) or cecina (Tuscany) — same dish, different name