It's hard to believe the foundation of this gourmet street food is just chickpea flour, water, oil and salt! This crispy homemade socca recipe is perfect for dipping, using as a base for flatbreads or pizzas, or simply enjoying by itself!
I was first introduced to socca when I was visiting Nice in the south of France. Over there, socca is kind of a big deal... and for good reason! It's crispy, salty and flavorful while also being super nutritious. Between their socca and ratatouille, Nice has given me such rich memories of the most delicious foods.
I remember one shop serving socca to me folded in a paper cone, almost like a crepe. It was so simple and I only wish that more places like that existed here in the United States.
That being said, I'm perfectly content making socca right at home! When recreating the recipe, I found I love it even more when baked a little longer. It makes it extra crispy yet is still just as soft and chewy on the inside!
I typically enjoy this warm, plant-powered socca flatbread as a before-dinner nosh. Thin and crispy with a slightly nutty flavor, it pairs perfectly with this cool and creamy avocado spread. It also goes great with hummus!
Ingredients
Socca really only requires 4 simple ingredients: chickpea flour, water, avocado oil (or olive oil) and salt. I like to add a few more seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper) but these are entirely optional.
And make sure to buy 100% chickpea flour and not a mix. I once grabbed a bag of fava and garbanzo flour from the grocery store by mistake as they look very similar!
How to Make Crispy Socca Flatbread
1. Whisk the ingredients to create the batter.
2. Pour the batter into a preheated cast iron skillet coated with oil.
3. Bake for 13 minutes.
4. Flip and bake for another 2 minutes.
5. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Don't substitute the chickpea flour. Chickpea flour is very unique in terms of texture, flavor and water absorption. If you don't have chickpea flour, don't try this using something else!
- The size of the pan matters. The recipe measurements are meant for using a 12-inch cast iron skillet. A smaller pan will result in a thicker and not-as-crispy socca, whereas a larger one will result in a thinner socca that is more susceptible to burn.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. I typically put it in the fridge but you can also leave out at room temperature.
When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible as it will make the socca a bit soggy. For best results, reheat it on a pizza pan in the oven or air fry it for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees F.
As someone who is allergic to yeast, wheat, gluten and eggs, this is the perfect recipe for me. It's also vegan, grain-free, refined sugar-free and soy free!
I hope you love this crispy socca flatbread as much as I do. It really is so addictive and easy to make. If you give it a try, please tag @eatingbyelaine to let me know!
Print
Easy 20-Minute Crispy Socca (Chickpea Flatbread)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
It's hard to believe the foundation of this gourmet street food is just chickpea flour, water, oil and salt! This crispy homemade socca recipe is perfect for dipping, using as a base for flatbreads or pizzas, or simply enjoying by itself!
Ingredients
- ½ cup packed chickpea flour (also known as garbanzo bean flour)
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons filtered water
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil for batter + 2 tablespoons avocado oil for pan
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon fine salt
- ¾ teaspoon Italian season
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/16 teaspoon ground black pepper
- flaky salt or regular salt for garnish
Topping/dip ideas: hummus, whipped feta, roasted garlic dip, homemade pesto, creamy avocado spread, chermoula sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Once preheated, place an empty 12-inch cast iron skillet in the oven for 5 minutes. A preheated pan helps to maximize crispiness!
- Make the batter. In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, water, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, maple syrup, salt and seasonings. Whisk until no clumps remain and the batter is smooth. Set aside.
- Remove the hot pan from the oven with oven mitts. Place the cast iron pan on a flat surface.
- Pour in the batter. Swirl 2 tablespoons of avocado oil around to evenly coat the pan, then pour the batter in the center. Allow the batter to form into a large circle covering the entire pan. You may need to swirl it around slightly while wearing your oven mitts.
- Bake. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 13 minutes.
- Flip the socca. Carefully and gently flip the socca with a large spatula and return to oven for 2 more minutes. Watch closely at the end to avoid burning (the edges will burn first).
- Garnish and serve! Immediately garnish generously with flaky salt or regular salt to enhance the flavor. Use a spatula to remove the hot socca from the pan, slice into 8 triangles using a pizza wheel and enjoy. Serve with your topping of choice or enjoy by itself.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
The size of the pan matters. The recipe measurements are meant for using a 12-inch cast iron skillet. A smaller pan will result in a thicker and not-as-crispy socca, whereas a larger one will result in a thinner socca that is more susceptible to burn.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Side
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: French
Kate says
This socca is the best! I come back to this recipe over and over. I'll eat it plain or with plant butter but it's really extra delicious with avocado mash! Thank you for this recipe. ????????????
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Kate! I'm so happy to hear you love this one so much. Thank you for the five star review! 🙂
Kala says
This is in the oven right now and smells wonderful! I had a difficult time getting mine to spread out in the pan. It was quite thick. Should I just try adding more water next time to thin?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi, Kala: It does tend to thicken the more it sits out. Did you pack the chickpea flour? Yes, you can always add a little extra water if needed next time. LMK how it turns out for you please 🙂
Karen says
I don't have a cast iron skillet. Could I just cook in a oiled pain on stove top?
Cheers Karen
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Karen: I would not recommend stovetop for this recipe. And I have not had the same results in other pans. I use this one: https://amzn.to/3yhsYFh - the results are super crispy and it is naturally non-stick. It cooks the socca evenly and it slides right out. It is currently on sale for $25! I hope that helps! Best, Elaine
Avril says
This was delicious and crispy! I made it to eat with dal & added some Indian spices. I'll definitely be making it again
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Avril! So happy to hear you enjoyed! I am adding an Indian butter chickpea recipe to the blog soon that this will also pair well with - stay tuned! Thank you again for the review!
Rebecca Jones says
Made the Socca and it’s absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing this will be on repeat.
Rebecca Jones says
Made the Socca and it’s absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing this will be on repeat.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Rebecca! Appreciate your five star review. I hope you continue to enjoy it!
Emma says
Can I cook on stove top instead of oven?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Emma: For this recipe, no. The oven is required.
Jen says
This was soooo easy, delicious, plant based and gluten free! I will use Socca in many different ways now that I am obsessed. Thank you!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Jen! So happy to hear you loved it so much! I hope you continue to enjoy! Best, Elaine
Sharilwe says
Can I use something other than a cast-iron pan? I don’t have one.
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Sharilwe: For this recipe, it works best with a cast iron skillet (not enameled cast iron). Best, Elaine
Melody Obery says
Does it reheat well? If so, any tips for reheating?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Melody, It is best when fresh. It will lose it's crispiness when you reheat it. But if you need to then I think the best bet is to reheat in the air fryer or oven (not the microwave). I hope that helps. Please let me know if you do it how it goes for you.