ChefXi OfficialA soulful breakfast marriage between the street-food soul of a Nice/Ligurian socca and the vibrant, morning energy of a Brazilian tapioca crepe, topped with silky Mortadella and pistachio pesto.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, sea salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour in the warm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, whisking until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
Let the batter sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to ensure the flour is fully hydrated.
Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet on the middle rack of your oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
The pan must be screaming hot to get those signature charred edges.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Swirl in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to coat the bottom, then immediately pour in the chickpea batter, tilting the pan to spread it evenly.
Work quickly so the pan doesn't lose too much heat.
Return the skillet to the oven and bake until the socca is set and the edges are starting to pull away and brown. Switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a charred, bubbly top.
Watch closely during the broil phase; it goes from golden to burnt in seconds.
Slide the socca onto a cutting board. While still hot, drape the silk-thin slices of Mortadella over the top so they slightly wilt. Dollop with Stracciatella cheese, sprinkle with crushed pistachios, and garnish with torn basil.
Slice into wedges and serve immediately while the base is crisp and the cheese is cool.
The key to a perfect socca is the rest time; it allows the chickpea flour to fully hydrate for a creamy interior and crisp edges. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, any oven-safe non-stick pan will work, but the crust won't be as traditional. The Mortadella should be added at the very end so it just barely warms through, preserving its delicate fat.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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