Socca is an unleavened, savory pancake made of chickpea flour, and is a popular street food in the south of France. I’ve never been to France or had authentic socca, so I can’t verify if this is even close to the real thing, but it’s pretty tasty. Socca, made simple and plain, is perfectly delicious in its own way, but the last time I made it, I decided to add some salty and tangy elements into the batter, which transformed the socca into more of a vegan version of a frittata, hence the term soccattata. Whether this is eaten plain or dolled up with some other savory components, it is surprisingly rich and egg-like in taste and texture. This makes a perfect brunch or light dinner—it’s filling, packed with protein and super easy to make.
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SPINACH AND OLIVE SOCCATTATA
- Yield: 2-4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 TB olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, cut into thin half-moon slices
- 1 TB oil cured olives, depitted and roughly chopped
- 2 TB sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 2/3 cup spinach, cut chiffonade
- olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, water, salt and oil. Cover and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. There’s no need to refrigerate it.
- In a small 9-inch cast iron pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the sliced onions and saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let the onions caramelize for about 30 minutes (don’t stir the onions as they caramelize). Fifteen minutes into your caramelizing time, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- After the onions are caramelized and your oven is preheated, increase the heat under your cast iron pan to high. Add in the olives, tomatoes and spinach to the pan with a couple tablespoons of oil. Saute until the spinach is reduced a bit, then add about two cups of the chickpea/water mixture to the pan. It should sizzle immediately.
- Place the entire cast iron pan into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it slightly browns around the edges.
Charlotte Bell says
I made this recipe last evening. It was so delicious. This morning I made a small socca with leftover batter and some chard and green onions—also delicious. I can tell that socca is going to become a staple in my house.
erinwyso says
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Charlotte!
Nicole says
I have been making this recipe since it was first published back in 2011 and I have never seen anything else quite like it. It’s such an amazingly versatile dish that can be changed up to use whatever veggies are available on hand. I’ve turned many friends onto this recipe who feel like it’s a great stand-in for quiche, especially if a soy- or tofu-based quiche does quite do it for someone else or allergies are a concern.
I love how well this recipe keeps for leftovers and it’s a really filling and hearty main to pair with a side salad or just to eat on its own. I’ve had it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and it’s a recipe that will always be a go-to in my recipe repertoire.
erinwyso says
Nicole, I’m so thrilled that you’ve been able to use this recipe and adapt along the way! xo
Martha says
Thank you for this delicious recipe! I’m sheltering in place and trying “pantry” recipes. This is a perfect one in my opinion. I didn’t have oil cured olives and substituted kalamata olives. Next time I will reduce the amount of salt I add to the chickpea and water mix but stay with the kalamata olives. I’m thinking of adding some roasted red peppers as I have those on hand. Can’t wait to make this again. So good.
erinwyso says
Martha, so happy to hear that you were able to make this with some tweaks and using pantry items you already have on hand … stay safe and well!
Maria says
This is amazing, made it last night with homemade bread and steamed brocolli on the side, and it was delicious! Thank you for a great recipe 🙂
NX says
Huge fan of socca, but never thought about making it thicker. So I tried this out. WOW! An excellent breakfast or lunch dish that even the meat eaters loved! And like socca it’s really easy to make. Thank you so much for posting this recipe, Erin.
erinwyso says
Great to hear … so happy you enjoyed!
Mandee says
I love chickpea pancakes and I can't wait to try this, it looks gorgeous!
myveganlondon says
Even though I am French, I've never heard of this bread. Maybe this is because I do not come from the south of the country 🙂 but this looks definitely like a sunny meal you can have in a vineyard… well done!
Vegan Triangle says
This looks amazing!!
Elizabeth says
I saw your post on the PPK and decided I had to make this. I've never had socca either, but I'm in love with your soccattata. The flavors go together perfectly and it's really an easy dish to throw together. I had leftovers today and it reheated quite well. Just want to say thanks for sharing such a great recipe – this is one I'll make again for sure!
erinwyso says
Thanks for trying it out Elizabeth, and for your feedback … so glad you enjoyed it!
Christina says
Oh, wow, that looks GOOD! I've never had socca, either, but I want to try it now.
erinwyso says
Thanks Fanny! I think you can put really anything in this: leftover greens, daiya, chopped carrots, etc. and it would still work. It still tastes delicious microwaved the next day!
erinwyso says
Thanks Caitlin! Let me know how it turns out!
Fanny says
I've never heard of this dish, but I'm definitely sold in! It looks fab!
Caitlin says
i can't believe i have yet to make socca. this recipe is amazing and now i must make a soccattata asap!