Crisp-Edged Socca with Tomato and Olives

Socca is a thin chickpea flour pancake baked in a preheated pan until its edges turn crisp. Resting the batter helps the flour hydrate and reduces dry pockets. This version is topped after baking so the surface stays firm beneath the juicy tomato and olives.

Serves: 4 wedges
Prep: 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes resting
Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta, optional

Method

1. Whisk chickpea flour, water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and cumin in a bowl until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oven to 450°F. Place a 10-inch oven-safe skillet inside for at least 10 minutes so it gets very hot.
3. Carefully remove the skillet with oven mitts. Add the remaining oil and swirl to coat the base, then pour in the batter.
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are browned and the center is firm. Broil for 1 minute at the end if you want extra color, watching closely.
5. Toss tomatoes, olives, parsley, vinegar, and pepper in a small bowl. Spoon over the warm socca and finish with feta if using.
6. Rest for 3 minutes, loosen the edges with a thin spatula, and cut into wedges.

Variations

Add thinly sliced red onion to the tomato topping, or use roasted peppers instead of fresh tomatoes. A pinch of smoked paprika can replace the cumin. If the batter thickens while resting, whisk in water 1 tablespoon at a time.

Storage and reheating

Socca is best soon after baking, when the edges are crisp. Refrigerate any cooled plain wedges in a covered container for up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet or 400°F oven. Store fresh toppings separately and add them after reheating.

Read the meal planning with pantry basics and meal planning for work-from-home lunches for more ways to plan lunch. Add this recipe to the Lucru Home pantry and list any missing ingredients before shopping.