How To Make Farinata
Farinata is a type of flatbread that comes from Italy, specifically the region of Liguria. It is a thin and unleavened pancake or crepe made from chickpea flour. This flatbread is commonly found in Genoa and is considered a traditional dish along the Ligurian sea coast.
The history of farinata dates back many centuries. It is believed to have originated from the coastal region of Liguria, where chickpeas were abundant. The simplicity of the recipe, using only chickpea flour, water, and olive oil, made it a popular and affordable choice for the locals. Farinata was often cooked in large copper pans in wood-fired ovens, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Today, farinata is still enjoyed as a popular street food in Liguria and can be found in many restaurants and bakeries throughout Italy.
The estimated cost to make this recipe for flatbread is relatively low. The main ingredient, chickpea flour, is affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. Other ingredients such as water, olive oil, and salt are also commonly available and inexpensive. Overall, the cost of making this flatbread should be minimal.
In terms of time, this recipe for flatbread is relatively quick and easy to make. The preparation time is minimal, as it only requires mixing the chickpea flour with water, olive oil, and salt. Once the batter is ready, it needs to be poured onto a hot skillet and cooked for a few minutes on each side. The total cooking time should be around 10-15 minutes. Therefore, from start to finish, it should take approximately 20-25 minutes to make this delicious flatbread.
Farinata Ingredients
The main ingredients used in the recipe for this flatbread are chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. Chickpea flour is the key ingredient that gives the flatbread its unique flavor and texture. Water is added to the flour to create a smooth batter, while olive oil adds richness and enhances the taste. A pinch of salt is also added to enhance the overall flavor of the flatbread.
The tools used in making this flatbread include a mixing bowl, a whisk or fork to combine the ingredients, and a skillet or frying pan to cook the flatbread. The mixing bowl is used to combine the chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt until a smooth batter is formed. A whisk or fork is then used to mix the ingredients together. The skillet or frying pan is heated on the stovetop and the batter is poured onto it to cook the flatbread until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
Farinata Recipe
To prepare Farinata, you will need to gather the following ingredients: chickpea flour, water, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Begin by sifting the chickpea flour into a large mixing bowl to remove any lumps. Add salt and pepper to taste, and then slowly pour in water while whisking the mixture until it becomes smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flour to absorb the water.
Next, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a large cast-iron skillet or baking dish in the oven to heat up. Once the skillet is hot, remove it from the oven and add a generous amount of olive oil to the bottom. Pour the batter into the skillet and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Drizzle more olive oil on top of the batter and place the skillet back into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the…(full recipe on the way)
To cook Farinata, start by preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). Next, pour 1 cup of chickpea flour into a mixing bowl and gradually add 1 ½ cups of water, whisking until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to get it hot. Once the skillet is hot, carefully remove it from the oven and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, swirling it around to coat the bottom and sides. Pour the rested batter into the hot skillet and spread it evenly. Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the farinata cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy…(full recipe on the way)
Farinata Flour Alternatives
1. Rice flour: A gluten-free option that can be used to make flatbread. It has a mild flavor and a light texture.
2. Almond flour: Made from ground almonds, this flour adds a nutty flavor to the flatbread and is a good choice for those following a low-carb diet.
3. Buckwheat flour: Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is gluten-free. It has a slightly earthy taste and can be used to make hearty flatbreads.
4. Quinoa flour: Derived from quinoa seeds, this flour is packed with protein and adds a slightly nutty flavor to the flatbread. It is also gluten-free.
5. Oat flour: Made from ground oats, this flour is a nutritious option for flatbread. It has a mild taste and adds a soft texture to the final product
Other Names For Farinata
– Chickpea pancake
– Genoa flatbread
– Ligurian crepe
– Italian chickpea crepe
– Sea coast flatbread
– Ligurian pancake
– Italian unleavened bread
– Chickpea flour crepe
– Genovese flatbread
– Ligurian chickpea pancake
– Italian coastal crepe
– Farinata di ceci (Italian translation)
– Chickpea unleavened pancake
– Ligurian sea coast crepe
– Italian chickpea flatbread
– Genoa chickpea pancake
– Ligurian chickpea crepe
– Italian coastal pancake
– Farinata of chickpeas (English translation)
– Chickpea flour pancake
How To Make Sourdough Farinata
1. Prepare your sourdough starter by feeding it with equal parts of flour and water and allowing it to ferment for at least 8 hours.
2. In a large bowl, combine chickpea flour, water, and a small amount of your sourdough starter. Mix well until you have a smooth batter.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for about 12-24 hours, allowing the sourdough to ferment and develop flavor.
4. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C), and place a cast-iron skillet or baking dish inside to heat up.
5. Once the skillet is hot, pour the batter into it, spreading it evenly to form a thin layer.
6. Bake the flatbread for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and cut into wedges or squares…(full sourdough recipe on the way)
How To Make Gluten-Free Farinata
1. Start by substituting regular flour with gluten-free chickpea flour.
2. Mix the chickpea flour with water to create a smooth batter.
3. Add a pinch of salt and any desired herbs or spices for flavor.
4. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Preheat a non-stick pan or skillet on medium heat.
6. Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the pan, spreading it evenly to form a thin pancake.
7. Cook the flatbread for a few minutes on each side until it turns golden brown.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
9. Serve the gluten-free flatbread warm, either as a side dish or as a base for toppings like vegetables or cheese.
10. Enjoy the delicious gluten-free version of this traditional Italian flatbread!…(full gluten-free recipe on the way)
What Next?
I’ve provided some basic tips on making Farinata at home above but I’ll be updating this page to include links to the best Farinata recipes, including sourdough and gluten-free versions. Join our waitlist above to get noticed when these recipes are available.