Socca flatbread, a French street food sensation, is naturally gluten free. (In Italy, it is known as farinata.)

Learn how to make it at home with chickpea flour and a few simple ingredients. Try this easy socca recipe now!

This post has been updated with more helpful tips and a video.

Today, my daughter, who loves to study foreign languages and follows several travel blogs, stumbled upon a fascinating dish during her online explorations.

She burst into the kitchen with excitement, exclaiming, “Mom, I’ve discovered something incredible! In the charming streets of Nice, France, there’s a mouthwatering treat called Socca!”

Curiosity piqued, I listened attentively as she described how street vendors in Nice wielded massive smoking grills to create a unique flatbread.

What intrigued us even more was that this creation was naturally gluten-free, as it was made from humble chickpea flour.

The French would sprinkle it with salt and pepper, drizzle it with fragrant olive oil, and savor it right off a napkin, reveling in its simplicity and flavors.

We can customize our socca flatbread serving experience with a variety of options. Pair it with your favorite toppings such as the Homemade Salsa With Roasted Tomatoes or bright-tasting Mediterranean Salsa With Tomatoes And Olives.

Or serve alongside complementary finger foods such as the classic Italian appetizer: Caprese Salad, easy 10-minute cucumber bites, simple grilled zucchini rollups, or the classic hors d’oeuvres recipe: gluten free stuffed mushrooms with sausage and bacon.

From batter to crispy flatbread

Intrigued by my daughter’s discovery, we embarked on a culinary adventure to recreate this socca sensation in our very own kitchen.

We couldn’t contain our excitement as we gathered the ingredients, embracing the anticipation of tasting something new and unique.

As the chickpea flour mixed with water, creating a smooth, thick batter, the kitchen filled with an earthy aroma that hinted at the deliciousness to come.

We heated the skillet, watching with anticipation as we poured the batter and spread it into a thin, pancake-like layer.

The sizzle of the batter meeting the hot surface filled the air, while the scent of toasting chickpea flour was making our mouths water.

Our unique twist on socca

After the first bite, we knew this recipe was a keeper. The socca’s slightly crisp exterior gave way to a soft, chewy center bursting with nutty flavors.

We couldn’t help but smile at the delightful combination of simplicity and complexity, all rolled into one delicious flatbread.

While the traditional method of enjoying socca called for a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, we couldn’t resist adding our own twists.

My daughter spread a generous layer of basil And pistachio pesto over her socca, elevating it to new heights. My son and I followed suit, discovering the harmonious fusion of the chickpea flavors with the aromatic basil and Parmesan.

But the most unexpected twist came from John, who poured a little brown gravy over his socca, creating a flavor profile that surprised us all.

The richness of the velvety smooth gluten free gravy added a touch of indulgence to the flatbread, creating a comforting combination that we couldn’t get enough of.

As we savored each bite, we couldn’t help but marvel at the serendipity of discovering socca.

It was a reminder that sometimes the most delicious culinary treasures are found in unexpected places, waiting to be uncovered and shared with loved ones.

Hence, I just had to make this naturally gluten free bread-like treat for you.

Ingredients

You can easily make it at home using chickpea flour (garbanzo bean flour), water, and a few simple ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, salt, ground cumin, thyme, and a clove of garlic.

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

First, combine flour, water, salt, cumin, thyme, garlic and some extra-virgin olive oil in a bowl. Now let the batter rest for 2 hours, covered, at room temperature.

Then preheat your broiler. Add some extra-virgin olive oil to an oven-safe skillet and heat the skillet in the oven.

Then take the hot skillet from the oven and pour half of the batter, about 6 ounces, into the skillet. Swirl the batter around to fill the bottom of the skillet. (You may use all the batter if you prefer a thicker flatbread).

And broil until golden.

Now it’s ready to slice and enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for dishes like pizza.

The recipe is enough for two thin socca flatbreads like this picture.

woman's hands holding socca to show how thin it is Or if you prefer, a single thicker socca flatbread like the next picture.

Pro tips and recipe notes

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Your approximate preparation time is only 5 minutes, but allow 2 hours for the batter to rest. This allows the chickpea flour to fully hydrate and helps improve the texture and flavor of the socca. And this procedure additionally enhances the bean’s digestibility.
I have only made Socca in my cast-iron which is ideal. But if you don’t have cast-iron, it should be ok in a broiler-safe stainless steel skillet or possibly a cake pan as long as it can stand up to the broiler.
Variations: Socca can be enjoyed in various ways. Apart from the traditional salt, pepper, and olive oil, you can top it with pesto sauce, salsa, gravy, fresh herbs, roasted vegetables, or cheese.
Socca is a fantastic option for parties or gatherings. You can make a large batch of socca using a 1:1 ratio of chickpea flour to water. This creates a smooth, pourable batter consistency and the right texture. Cut the socca into bite-size pieces and put out a spread serving it with several toppings.
Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet or toaster.

holding a slice of delicious socca Socca, with its captivating flavors, has found a permanent place in our family’s repertoire of appetizers and side dishes. Whether enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, a smear of pesto, or even a pour of savory gravy, socca is a canvas for your culinary creativity.

So, gather your loved ones, embark on your own culinary adventure, and savor the magic of this French street food. Bon appétit!

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