It is not a pancake, a frittata, or a tortilla, although it has the qualities of all three. You do have to think ahead to prepare the batter, which needs a couple of hours to rest, but once you start cooking, it is quick and simple to prepare. Try it cold, cut into squares for an unusual picnic treat. Gram flour, also called besan, is made from garbanzo beans. It is available at some large markets, most whole-food stores, and always at Asian grocery stores.
SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE FARINATA:
- 1 cup gram (garbanzo) flour
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. warm water
- 4 tbsp. olive oil
- black pepper
FOR THE TOPPING:
- 2 ripe tomatoes, skinned, seeded, and chopped
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 4 black olives, quartered
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- sea salt and black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Sift the gram flour into a bowl, add the salt. Pour in the water, stirring constantly, to form a thin smooth batter. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest in a warm place for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Stir 3 tablespoons of the olive oil into the batter.
- Put the remaining oil in an 8×8-inch baking pan, then put the pan in the oven briefly until the oil is very hot.
- Pour in the batter, and arrange the topping ingredients on the surface, sprinkling the surface evenly with each in turn.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden and crisp. Serve hot or at room temperature.
