Chickpea Flour Pizza Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with these delectable Chickpea Flour Pizzas, also known as Socca Pizzas. Made from wholesome chickpea flour, these gluten-free pizzas are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrition. The crispy base is complemented by a rich tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and your choice of toppings, making it the perfect dish for gatherings or a casual weeknight meal. Customize them to suit your taste with fresh vegetables like heritage tomatoes and chioggia beetroot, and drizzle with a zesty pesto for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and healthy, with each bite transporting you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpea flour
250 g (Also known as gram flour, sifted)
Water
2 cups (400 ml) (Room temperature)
Sea salt
2 pinches (To taste)
Black pepper
1 pinch (Freshly ground, to taste)
Crushed garlic
1 tablespoon (Or 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
Coconut oil or ghee
As needed (For frying)
Extra virgin olive oil
To drizzle (For serving)
Heritage tomatoes
To taste (Sliced or chopped)
Chioggia beetroot
To taste (Thinly sliced)
Pesto sauce
To taste (Brazil Nut or Kale)
Mozzarella cheese
To taste (Sliced or grated)
Cheddar cheese
To taste (Sliced or grated)
Garlic cloves
3 (Diced)
Ghee
1 tablespoon (For sauce)
Tomatoes
12 large (Roughly chopped)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (Or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves)
Salt
To taste
Pepper
To taste
Chili
1 (Finely chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
In a bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, water, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed garlic until smooth. Alternatively, blend in a Vitamix for a few seconds until well combined.
2
Allow the batter to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, which allows the chickpea flour to absorb the water effectively.
3
Preheat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of coconut oil or ghee to grease the bottom.
4
Once hot, pour in enough batter to create a base about 0.5 cm thick. Cook for about 1 minute until the underside is golden and lifts easily from the pan.
5
Carefully flip the base and cook the other side until golden brown. For a crispier texture, extend the cooking time slightly. Repeat this process for the remaining batter, setting aside finished bases.
6
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
7
Prepare the tomato sauce by heating ghee in a separate pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
8
Add the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and finely chopped chili (if using). Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
9
Place the pizza bases on a wire rack or baking tray and spread the tomato sauce over each base, then layer with your favorite toppings such as heritage tomatoes, chioggia beetroot, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.
10
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispier finish, broil briefly at the end.
11
Finish by drizzling the pizzas with extra virgin olive oil and garnishing with fresh rocket and herbs before serving.
Nutrition Information
12.5 g
Fat
50 g
Carbs
15 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chickpea Flour Pizza Delight?
It is a Mediterranean-style dish also known as Socca Pizza, featuring a gluten-free base made from chickpea flour topped with fresh ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, because the base is made from chickpea flour, these pizzas are naturally gluten-free.
What are the main ingredients for the pizza base?
The base consists of chickpea flour, water, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed garlic.
How long should the chickpea flour batter rest?
The batter should rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the water.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (390°F).
How thick should the pizza bases be poured?
You should pour enough batter to create a base approximately 0.5 cm thick.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic in the batter?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
What oils are recommended for frying the pizza bases?
Coconut oil or ghee are recommended for greasing the pan while frying.
How long do I cook the base in the frying pan?
Cook for about 1 minute until the underside is golden and lifts easily, then flip and cook the other side.
How many tomatoes are needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 12 large, roughly chopped tomatoes.
How do I prepare the tomato sauce?
Sauté diced garlic in ghee, then add tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili, cooking until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
What toppings are suggested for this pizza?
Suggested toppings include heritage tomatoes, chioggia beetroot, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.
Can I add heat to the recipe?
Yes, you can add one finely chopped chili to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
How long do the pizzas bake in the oven?
Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How can I get a crispier finish on the pizza?
You can extend the frying time of the base slightly or broil the assembled pizzas briefly at the end of baking.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
There are approximately 375 calories per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
What are the fat and carbohydrate contents?
It contains 12.5 grams of fat and 50 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of pesto should I use?
Brazil Nut or Kale pesto are excellent choices for drizzling over the pizza.
Can I use a blender to mix the batter?
Yes, you can blend the batter ingredients in a Vitamix for a few seconds until smooth.
What is the serving suggestion for finishing the dish?
Garnish with fresh rocket and herbs, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano leaves as a substitute for 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
What is Chioggia beetroot?
It is a variety of beet known for its beautiful concentric rings, often used as a fresh topping in Mediterranean cuisine.
How many garlic cloves are used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 3 diced garlic cloves.
What is the recommended pan for cooking the bases?
A standard frying pan preheated over medium-high heat is ideal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 ingredients total, including seasonings and optional toppings.
What is gram flour?
Gram flour is another name for chickpea flour, which is the primary ingredient for the pizza base.
Can I prepare the bases in advance?
Yes, you can fry the bases and set them aside before adding toppings and baking.
Is the tomato sauce cooked before baking?
Yes, the tomato sauce is sautéed and thickened in a separate pan before being spread on the bases.