Socca is a traditional chickpea flatbread from Nice, France, known for its crispy edges and tender interior. Made primarily from chickpea flour, this naturally gluten-free and vegan dish is both simple and versatile, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or base for various toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires just chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and vegan.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings.
- Authentic Flavor: Offers a taste of traditional French street food.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chickpea flour
water
olive oil
salt
Directions
- Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
- Preheat the Oven: Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
- Bake the Socca: Carefully remove the hot skillet, add a bit of olive oil to coat the bottom, and pour in the batter. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and cut into wedges. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 20-23 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Infused: Add chopped rosemary or thyme to the batter.
- Spiced: Incorporate cumin or paprika for added flavor.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.
- Sweet: Drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon post-baking.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover socca in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F (204°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed and crispy.
FAQs
Can I make socca without a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, any oven-safe skillet or baking dish can work, but a cast-iron skillet provides the best crispy texture.
Is chickpea flour the same as gram flour?
Yes, chickpea flour and gram flour are often used interchangeably, though gram flour may be made from a different variety of chickpeas.
Can I make socca ahead of time?
Socca is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Is socca suitable for a keto diet?
Chickpea flour contains carbohydrates, so socca may not be suitable for strict keto diets.
Can I freeze socca?
It’s not recommended to freeze socca, as it may alter the texture upon reheating.
What toppings go well with socca?
Popular toppings include hummus, roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I cook socca on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook socca in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, similar to a pancake.
Is socca similar to farinata?
Yes, farinata is the Italian version of socca, with slight regional variations in preparation.
Can I add other flours to the batter?
For authentic socca, it’s best to use only chickpea flour, but experimenting with other flours can yield different textures and flavors.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be thin, similar to pancake batter, to achieve the characteristic thin and crispy socca.
Conclusion
One Ingredient Socca is a delightful, easy-to-make flatbread that brings a taste of French cuisine to your kitchen. Its simplicity and versatility make it a favorite for many, whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with various toppings. Give it a try and savor the crispy, savory goodness!
Print
One Ingredient Socca
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
One Ingredient Socca is a traditional Mediterranean flatbread made with just chickpea flour and water. Naturally gluten-free and vegan, it’s crisp on the edges and tender inside, ideal as a snack, side dish, or pizza base.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of chickpea flour and 1 cup of water until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to hydrate the flour.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a cast iron skillet in the oven to heat.
- Once hot, remove the skillet, lightly grease it with oil, and pour in the batter evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and the edges are crispy.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Slice and serve warm as-is or with toppings of your choice.
Notes
- Letting the batter rest improves texture and flavor.
- Use a well-heated pan to achieve crispy edges.
- Socca can be topped with herbs, veggies, or cheese for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg