I love experimenting with recipes that celebrate simplicity and authenticity. My Italian Chickpea Flatbread blends 1 cup chickpea flour, 1 1/2 cups water, salt and olive oil into a delightfully crisp yet tender snack. This creation evokes a sense of rustic Italian tradition and leaves me genuinely inspired. I savor it.

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I’ve always been fascinated by how a few simple ingredients can transport you right into the heart of Italy. Recently I came across this Italian Farinata Chickpea Flatbread recipe, or La Cecina Toscana, and I just had to try it.

Using only 1 cup chickpea flour, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons olive oil (with a little extra drizzled on top), it’s amazing how these basic ingredients transform into a snack that’s both boldly flavorful and intriguingly light. I know it might remind you of chickpea naan bread or even a gluten free vegan flatbread recipe, but trust me, there’s magic in its simplicity.

The chickpea flour gives it a unique, nutty flavor that sets it apart from other flatbreads. I’ve been experimenting with glutenfri baking for a while now, and this Italian chickpea flatbread has quickly become one of my favorite treats.

Give it a try and see for yourself!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how simple the ingredients are and yet the end result tastes amazing.
2. I really enjoy the crispy texture from the olive oil drizzle and golden baked edges.
3. I like that it’s not complicated at all, so even on a busy day I can whip it up without any stress.
4. I appreciate the authentic Italian vibe it brings to my kitchen, making me feel like I’m truly enjoying a rustic Italian treat.

I recently tried making this Italian chickpea flatbread called la cecina toscana and it quickly became one of my favorites. It’s made with just chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt, which is pretty cool because it means you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. The recipe is super simple and even if you’re not the best cook you can still nail it. When it bakes, the edges turn a nice golden brown and you get a crunchy texture that is seriously satisfying. I found more awesome recipes like this on a page called the rustic kitchen at @InsideTRK where they share tons of tips, tricks, and hacks. Overall, it just feels like a genuine, down-to-earth snack that brings a little taste of Italy right into my home.

Ingredients

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Chickpea flour provides protein and fiber, giving a nutty, hearty base.
Water is essential to create a smooth, cohesive batter and crisp final texture.
Salt enhances natural flavors, balancing the dish and making ingredients pop.
Olive oil offers rich, fruity flavor, plus healthy fats for a silky finish.
Its carbs provide slow energy release, keeping you satisfied longer.
A pinch of salt can drastically elevate a meal’s overall taste.
Drizzling extra olive oil adds a mouthwatering gloss and boosts authentic flavor.
These ingredients come together to create a deliciously rustic, Italian flatbread.
Each component plays a crucial role in boosting taste, texture, and nourishment.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup chickpea flour

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little more for drizzling)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and get a baking pan ready by drizzling some olive oil all over it

2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup chickpea flour, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until you get a smooth batter, try not to make too many lumps

3. Let the batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour so it can thicken a little bit

4. Give the batter a quick stir then pour it into the prepared pan making sure you spread it out evenly

5. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top if you like it extra crispy and flavorful

6. Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a nice golden brown

7. Once it’s done, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes

8. Cut it into pieces and enjoy your Italian Farinata Chickpea Flatbread while it’s still warm as a perfect snack!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven
2. Baking pan
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Whisk or fork
6. Spatula
7. Knife
8. Cooling rack (optional)

FAQ

What is Italian Farinata?

It's a traditional Italian chickpea flatbread from Tuscany that's thin, crispy on the edges, and soft in the middle.

Do I need to let the batter rest before cooking?

Yes, letting the batter rest for at least 30 minutes helps the chickpea flour get fully hydrated and gives a smoother texture.

Can I top it with herbs or other ingredients?

Sure thing, a sprinkle of rosemary or black pepper goes great, but it's also awesome on its own with a drizzle of extra olive oil.

How do I get a crispy texture on the flatbread?

Make sure to preheat your oven or pan, and don't be stingy with the olive oil; a little extra drizzle helps crisp up the edges.

Can leftovers be stored for another meal?

Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.

Italian Farinata Chickpea Flatbread (La Cecina Toscana) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have chickpea flour, you can use white bean flour or red lentil flour. They work well but the texture might be a tiny bit different.
Instead of plain water, try mixing in a splash of vegetable broth for extra flavor.
If you’re out of regular salt, swapping it with sea salt or Himalayan salt is a good call.
Olive oil is great, but you can use avocado oil or even a light grapeseed oil if that’s what you have on hand.

Pro Tips

1. Try stirring the batter really well to break up any lumps, but don’t beat it like crazy or you’ll lose some of that unique texture.
2. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the flatbread in; it makes a huge difference in getting those crispy edges you want.
3. When you pour the batter into the pan, spread it out evenly so you’ll get consistent thickness throughout; if it’s too thick in some spots, it may not cook as nicely.
4. If you like a bit extra flavor, feel free to drizzle a little more olive oil on top before baking, or even sprinkle on some herbs after it comes out of the oven for a simple twist.

Italian Farinata Chickpea Flatbread (La Cecina Toscana) Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

149

kcal

Equipment: 1. Preheated oven
2. Baking pan
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Whisk or fork
6. Spatula
7. Knife
8. Cooling rack (optional)

Ingredients

1 cup chickpea flour
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little more for drizzling)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 450°F and get a baking pan ready by drizzling some olive oil all over it
In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup chickpea flour, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until you get a smooth batter, try not to make too many lumps
Let the batter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour so it can thicken a little bit
Give the batter a quick stir then pour it into the prepared pan making sure you spread it out evenly
Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top if you like it extra crispy and flavorful
Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a nice golden brown
Once it's done, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes
Cut it into pieces and enjoy your Italian Farinata Chickpea Flatbread while it's still warm as a perfect snack!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.