This easy Chickpea Flour Flatbread is ready in just 20 minutes! Use it as you would traditional flatbread. Gluten-free and vegan.
Just chickpea flour, olive oil, and water are used to create this easy socca recipe.
Socca is a popular street food in southern France, but the unleavened bread is also known as farinata in Italy.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Naturally gluten-free flatbread
- Simple ingredients
- Easy recipe
- Good source of protein
What is chickpea flour?
Chickpea flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour, gram flour, or besan flour, is a fine, gluten-free flour made from ground chickpeas.
It has a nutty flavor commonly used in various cuisines, particularly in South Asian and Mediterranean dishes.
It is high in plant-based protein and dietary fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals. It is naturally gluten-free making it an ideal flour for those with gluten sensitivity, Celiac disease, or on a gluten-free diet.
It's a delicious alternative to whole wheat flour.
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Chickpea flour - The main ingredient in our socca bread.
Olive oil - Use a quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It will be used in the batter as well as in the hot skillet.
Water - A little bit of warm water goes a long way!
Spices - In this recipe, things are kept simple with salt, black pepper, and garlic salt. But experiment with any spices and fresh herbs that you wish!
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start: Turn the broiler on high.
Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the garbanzo bean flour, water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic salt together until a smooth batter forms. Set aside to let the batter rest.
Set your oven rack 8 inches from the top. Turn on the broiler. Place a 10-inch ovenproof skillet or cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat until hot (about 10 minutes).
Step 2: Using oven mitts, remove your skillet from the oven and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, swirling it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
Pour in the chickpea batter and return the skillet to the broiler.
Cook for about 5-8 minutes until soccer has set and edges start to slightly golden brown and pull away from edges.
Tips
- Allowing the batter to rest while you preheat the broiler allows it to thicken.
Serving suggestions
Whether you are serving it as the perfect appetizer or as part of the main meal, there are so many ways to serve this bread.
Here are some common options for using plain socca:
Dips - Hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, pesto, or a simple olive tapenade.
Pizza base - Use the flatbread as a pizza base. Top with pesto or red sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Salad - A fresh salad with mixed greens, adds a refreshing contrast to the savory chickpea pancake.
Cheese - You can also sprinkle (dairy-free or regular) grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or goat cheese over the socca just after it's cooked.
Sauce - Drizzle with a flavorful sauce like pesto, tahini, or a garlic yogurt sauce for extra taste.
Like things a little crispier? Make socca chips!
FAQs
Socca, farinata, besan, and pudla are flatbreads and pancakes made from the flour of ground chickpeas.
Yes. Chickpea flatbread is comprised mostly of garbanzo bean flour. One serving of this flatbread has 17g of carbohydrates.
Yes! Pure chickpea flour is made from ground chickpeas and is naturally gluten-free.
Want more gluten-free pizza alternatives? This cauliflower pizza crust delivers!
More recipes with chickpeas
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Chickpea Flour Flatbread (Socca)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (130g) chickpea flour
- 1 cup (8oz) warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ teaspoons salt
- pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic salt together until lumps are gone and batter is smooth. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.
- Set your oven rack to 8 inches from the top. Turn the broiler on high. Place a 10-inch ovenproof skillet or cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat until hot (about 10 minutes).
- Using oven mitts, remove your skillet from the oven and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, swirling it around to coat bottom of pan. Pour in batter and return skillet to the broiler.
- Cook for about 5-8 minutes until soccer has set and edges start to slightly brown and pull away from edges. Carefully loosen flatbread with a spatula and transfer to a plate or cutting board.
- Slice into wedges and tear pieces to eat.
Jodi
Socca has got to be the best summer meal. Actually not just summer, but the simplicity of it makes it just perfect for those easy warm weather meals. I love your words here, your toppings and your fresh photos. Sending love and chickpeas your way ;) x
Tessa
I agree, it's simple for always and definitely perfect for hot summer days. Thank you, Jodi! Love and chickpeas back at ya! xo.
Stephanie McKinnie
This looks and sounds so good! I have been kinda obsessing over socca as well, it's just too easy to make not to!
Tessa
Thank you, Stephanie! I totally agree! :)
amanda paa
i love love love socca! i was actually at a restaurant in michigan last week and that's what i ordered. i can't wait to try your summery version! xo
Tessa
Isn't it the best? I also selfishly love that Heath likes it too. Feels like a gf win! ;) Thanks, friend! <3
Jen
We made this for the first time. It was so tasty and easy to make. It was the perfect complement to our dinner.
Tessa
Thank you, Jen! So glad you all enjoyed it!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
I have never made socca Tessa, but you are intriguing me with this recipe. The toppings are some of my favorites! What an awesome summer meal!
Tessa
It's so versatile, I think you would love socca. With all the summer produce available I've been daydreaming about what to top it with next! ;)
Abby @ Heart of a Baker
I've made socca once and I really need to make it more! While I do adore a good snacking day, a solid dinner soaks up all the celebratory drinks :)
Tessa
Haha, so true and so important. There are so many ways to top socca, I get excited about it. Ha. But, I need to slow down my socca making so my husband doesn't tire of it! That would be a sad day. ;) xoxo