Last summer, when I was writing my cookbook that’s essentially about chickpeas, I discovered the wonders of besan, or chickpea flour.
Now, it wasn’t like I was a total newbie to the concept of chickpea flour. I’d enjoyed it, primarily in Indian dishes, specifically in Pakoras–crispy, deep-fried chickpea fritters stuffed with vegetables.
There are a few great things about besan: first off, it’s gluten free. Secondly, it’s protein-y, unlike many flours. Thirdly, it has an interesting, yellowish colour.
I got to be curious as to what it would might be like as an egg substitute, and it ended up being in the book to make vegan omelets and frittatas.
I had also played with it in pancake form. In South Asian cooking, there’s a dish called a dosa, which is, essentially, a crepe, or pancake, made with chickpea flour. They’re usually cultured, as well. These crepes are then stuffed with yummy ingredients inside, I recently had one with a chickpea curry.
So, basically, this stuff is amazeballs, if you’ve never used it! It’s got a million uses, it’s gluten free, and if you’re a veg head, it’s got 22g of protein in just 100 grams!
Which brings us to today’s recipe.
We’re at the height of Farmer’s Market season, and it’s seriously making me so happy to go on the weekends and buy up all the lovely, colourful, fresh ingredients. I also, this past week, got a new product to try: a ready-made, locally-produced balsamic reduction. I love, and I mean LOVE balsamic reduction. It’s got that sweet-tangy thing going on, and it’s so great on top of traditional stuff, like salads, but it also rocks on less traditional stuff, like, oh… say, pizza! And ice cream.
So, today’s recipe is an amalgam of all that inspiration this week.
This is a lovely, light summer lunch or dinner that comes together in basically no time at all. You can choose whatever toppings you like, and customize it.
Socca Pizzas
{Vegan and Gluten-Free}
Ingredients for the base:
- 1 cup chickpea flour (basan)
- 1 cup water
- pinch of salt
Toppings: I used caramelized onions, sundried tomatoes, arugula, radishes, and, of course, Nonna Pia’s Balsamic (I used the garlic one). You can use any kind of pizza toppings you like; olives would be great, as would fennel or artichoke hearts. A little vegan cheese (or a few dollops of chevre if you aren’t vegan) would also rock.
Method:
- Whisk the besan and water together well, along with the salt, ensuring no lumps remain. Set aside for 30 minutes.
- Heat a cast-iron pan on top of the stove over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon or so of oil, and allow it to get hot. Drop about 1/4 cup of batter into the centre of the pan, and allow it to spread out. Cook until the edges are browned, and the pancake is bubbly in the centre, then carefully flip. Cook on the other side for about 30 seconds, then slide off onto a plate. Top with whatever toppings you like, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.