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Farinata (Italy)

An authentic recipe for traditional Italian Farinata, highlighting its crispy golden edges, tender center, and rich olive oil flavor.

Level Easy Prep 10 min Cook 25 min Servings 4 Score 4.8/10
Ready in
35 min

Makes 4 servings

Prep 10m
Cook 25m
Level Easy

About this recipe

An authentic recipe for traditional Italian Farinata, highlighting its crispy golden edges, tender center, and rich olive oil flavor.

A classic Ligurian chickpea pancake baked to golden crispness in a blazing hot oven.

Ingredients

Main

Seasoning

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet or copper pan Must be heavy and able to withstand very high heat
  • Whisk For smooth batter mixing
  • Large mixing bowl For resting batter

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour and lukewarm water until smooth and free of lumps.

  2. Cover the bowl and let the batter rest at room temperature for at least 2 to 4 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the top.

  3. Preheat your oven to its highest temperature, around 450°F to 500°F (230°C to 260°C), and place a heavy cast-iron skillet or round baking pan inside to get scorching hot.

  4. Stir the extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper into the rested batter.

  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, coat the bottom and sides generously with olive oil, and pour the batter evenly into the pan.

  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown, crispy, and the top is set with a few golden spots.

    25 min

Nutrition

Calories 210
Protein 7g
Carbs 22g
Fat 10g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 2g
Sodium 310mg
Serving Size 1 slice

Cooking Timeline

Prep 10 min
Cook 25 min
Total 35 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.3 /10
Expert 4.8 95% conf.
  • Taste 9.5
  • Presentation 9.0
  • Nutrition 9.0
  • Value 9.5
  • Instructions 9.2
  • Ingredients 9.5
  • Time Accuracy 9.0
  • Difficulty 9.0
  • Would Make Again 9.5

Expert Review

Verdict

An exceptionally crispy, savory, and rustic Italian street food classic that is remarkably easy to make.

Pros

  • Naturally gluten-free and vegan
  • Crispy edges with a tender interior
  • Simple wholesome ingredients

Cons

  • Requires resting time for the batter

Overview

A classic Ligurian chickpea pancake baked to golden crispness in a blazing hot oven.

AI Insights

Summary

An authentic recipe for traditional Italian Farinata, highlighting its crispy golden edges, tender center, and rich olive oil flavor.

Tips

  • Ensure your oven and pan are as hot as possible before adding the batter to achieve the best crispy crust
  • Do not skip resting the batter to ensure optimal texture
  • Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper right before serving

Substitutions

  • Water → Vegetable broth for extra savory flavor
  • Black pepper → Rosemary needles mixed into the batter

Storage

Best enjoyed immediately while warm and crispy. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a hot skillet.

Pairing

  • A fresh arugula salad with lemon dressing
  • A glass of crisp Italian white wine

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.

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FAQ

Do I really need to let the batter rest?
Yes, resting allows the chickpea flour to fully hydrate and improves the texture and digestibility of the farinata.
Is Farinata naturally gluten-free?
Yes, since it is made entirely from 100% chickpea flour, water, and olive oil, it is naturally gluten-free and vegan.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Specialty: Italian cuisine

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