Farinata- A taste of the Liguran Coast

Recently I was on a trip to the Ligurian coast of Italy. One of the affordable and delicious vegan foods that I encountered was farinata, a baked flatbread made of chickpea flour and not much else. It has deliciously crisp, toasty edges and a custardy soft inside that makes it a delicious portable snack. I tried one while in the cinque terre town of Riomaggiore from a small bakery, and was so impressed that I had to bring back the recipe! 

It can be challenging to get protein-rich vegan food in Italy if you stick to the tried-and-true pastas as your staple, but Italian food is also excellent for its resourceful use of beans and lentils in creative and delicious ways, even if these recipes unfortunately are relatively unknown in North America. While this recipe details the Ligurian style flatbread, there are tons of regional variations of chickpea-based flatbreads and similar foods all over the country, so you're bound to find something wherever you travel to.

I ate mine topped with fresh tomatoes and some dried thyme I brought back from Genoa, as well as a little basil from my garden. It would also be good with a lot of other toppings, so go wild! It's unassuming in appearance but very filling and satisfying, and a great way to eat more legumes in an unconventional way. It's best served hot, but you can reheat if it you don't finish it all in one go.

Farinata Genovese
Serves 2-4

130 g. Chickpea flour
400 mL Water
1/2 Tsp. Salt
2 TBSP Olive oil
Herbs and spices to taste- Black pepper, rosemary, oregano, chili flakes, or whatever you want!

Whisk the chickpea flour, water and salt into a very thin batter and let rest at room temperature for at least half a day, or overnight in the fridge. (It does smell very beany at this stage... don't worry, it smells fantastic once you bake it.)

Whisk in the olive oil and whatever other seasonings you want to use. Pour into an oiled 8'' x 8 '' pan and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is blistered with light brown spots.

Let set for about 10 minutes, but serve while hot! Top with your favourite meltable cheese, fresh or roasted vegetables, and/or extra olive oil. Enjoy!