A Dish For All Seasons and Occasions ? Farinata

While my detox/cleanse is officially done, I’m still obsessing over creating new dishes with some of the different ingredients the cleanse included.  Since wheat was off the radar for a few weeks, I we ventured into new flours.  While some weren’t “openly” accepted by Craig, I have to say that he was a real trooper through it all.

One of the favorites from the detox is an Italian dish called Farinata.  Although, you will find a similar dish in many different cultures.  Each has their own version of this chickpea flour pancake.  The basic formula for the dish is the same with the differences coming from the spices that are used.

In Italy, you’ll find savory slices of farinata in bakeshop windows waiting for people to buy and eat them like a slice of pizza.  At home, you can make it for the same purpose or you can serve it topped with sauteed vegetables, or topped with cheese and a drizzle of honey.

This recipe is so easy, you won’t believe the flavors you get out of something that is so simple to make and has so few ingredients.

Serves: Depends on how it will be served

Ingredients

Olive Oil (enough to cover bottom of oven proof skillet)
1 1/2 Cups Water
1 1/4 Cups Chickpea Flour
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1/2 Thinly Sliced Onion
Paprika

Directions

In a bowl, thoroughly mix chickpea flour, salt, garlic powder, pepper, lemon juice, and water.  Let mixture sit for at least 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Farenheit.

In an ovenproof skillet (preferably a well-seasoned cast iron skillet), pour enough olive oil into the pan to generously cover the bottom.

Pour batter into skillet then place rings of thinly slice onion on top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes.  Pancake is done when it pulls away from the sides of the skillet and has a nice golden brown color.  Remove from oven, sprinkle with paprika and slice into pieces.

Serve farinata while  still hot.

Variations

You can replace the garlic powder with thinly sliced or minced garlic.
Add chopped rosemary
Saute onions and mushrooms in olive oil, cut farinata into squares and top with mushroom mixture and top with shredded parmesan cheese and serve as an appetizer
Prepare original recipe and top with ratatouille
Cut farinata into squares and top with a dollop of ricotta cheese, and a drizzle of honey

Technorati Tags: chickpea flour, clean detox recipes, clean recipes, Easy Recipes, gluten free recipe, Italian recipes, vegan recipes

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