Easy 20-Minute Crispy Socca (Chickpea Flatbread) Recipe
This Easy 20-Minute Crispy Socca recipe offers a delightful chickpea flatbread that’s naturally gluten-free and crispy, perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Made with simple ingredients like chickpea flour, avocado oil, and seasonings, it’s baked in a preheated cast iron skillet for maximum crispiness and served with various tasty toppings or dips.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Ingredients
- ½ cup packed chickpea flour (also known as garbanzo bean flour)
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons filtered water
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for batter)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon fine salt
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/16 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for pan)
- Flaky salt or regular salt for garnish
Topping/Dip Ideas
- Hummus
- Whipped feta
- Roasted garlic dip
- Homemade pesto
- Creamy avocado spread
- Chermoula sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Once it reaches temperature, place an empty 12-inch cast iron skillet inside the oven for 5 minutes to ensure the pan is hot, which maximizes the crispiness of the socca.
- Prepare Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, filtered water, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, maple syrup, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps. Set the batter aside.
- Oil and Pour Batter: Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven using oven mitts and place it on a heatproof flat surface. Swirl 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in the skillet to coat evenly. Then pour the batter into the center, swirling slightly to spread it into a large, even circle covering the entire pan.
- Bake the Socca: Return the skillet to the oven and bake the socca for 13 minutes. The batter will set and begin to crisp around the edges.
- Flip and Finish Baking: Using a large spatula, carefully and gently flip the socca to cook the other side. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, especially at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the socca from the oven and immediately sprinkle generously with flaky salt or regular salt. Use a spatula to lift the socca from the pan, place it on a cutting board, and slice into 8 triangles using a pizza wheel. Serve warm with your favorite dips or toppings, or enjoy it plain.
Notes
- The size of the pan is critical: this recipe is designed for a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Using a smaller pan will create a thicker socca that may not get as crispy; a larger pan will produce a thinner socca that is more prone to burning.
- Preheating the cast iron skillet is essential to achieve the crispy texture that makes this flatbread unique.
- You can customize your socca with a variety of dips and toppings such as hummus, whipped feta, or homemade pesto to enhance flavor or suit dietary preferences.
- Handle the hot pan carefully to avoid burns; use oven mitts and place on a heat-safe surface when removing from the oven.
Keywords: Socca, Chickpea Flatbread, Gluten-Free Flatbread, Crispy Chickpea Pancake, Mediterranean Snack, Vegan Flatbread, Quick Appetizer
