tania:
I spent a few months studying in Florence, in some of the most fun months of my life. While my friends were traveling to other far-away countries, I...
Hailing from the coastal area of Livorno, this classic chickpea recipe is a much-beloved local tradition. Students and late-night munchies seekers revel in this dish, and local Italian families looking to provide on-the-go snacks for kids adore this delight for its versatility.
No need to soak chickpeas here as the recipe uses chickpea flour instead - this is a must, so look for the flour in local specialty grocers or shops catering to Italian clients. The torta is typically served on its own, cut into squares, but here we flesh it out for you and make it more substantial for a great starter or first course.
No classic Livornese feast would be complete without this chickpea recipe included, so why not go all out on your next seafood bash and include gorgeous Chickpea Torta and maybe a Cacciucco alla Livornese as well? Bring your lovely self and your friends to one of our favorite Tuscan coastal towns on this glorious culinary journey!
Try it with...
Filippo Bartolotta
for 4 servings
Step
1
Of 4
In medium mixing bowl, add all ingredients for torta. Blend well, being sure to avoid leaving clumps in mixture. Set aside, and allow to rest at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 220C. In round baking pan (can also use Springform pan), line bottom with wax paper. Grease paper well with extra-virgin olive oil, and pour in chickpea mixture.
Place into preheated oven and allow to cook for at least 20 minutes, or until torta is firm to touch and cooked through.
Step
2
Of 4
Preheat oven to 140C.
Wash tomatoes well, remove green tops. Cut in half, and place onto baking tray lined with wax paper. Finely mince aromatic herbs and garlic clove. Place in small bowl and blend, set aside. Dress well with olive oil and salt. Top with diced aromatic herbs and garlic blend. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake tomatoes in preheated oven for at least 1 hour, or until tomatoes are softened to the touch and give off lovely tomato aroma.
Step
3
Of 4
Wash eggplants thoroughly, dry well. Turn on two burners on stovetop, set to medium heat. Place eggplants directly on top of flame and allow to cook until eggplant peels are slightly burned, and there is an aroma of smoking food in the air.
Turn eggplants often as they cook, and be careful not to pierce the outer skin. Remove from heat only once well-cooked and softened, approximately 10-15 minutes. Allow eggplants to cool, and remove skin. Coarsely chop, set aside.
Peel and finely slice medium yellow onion, set aside. In medium sauté pan, coat bottom with extra-virgin olive oil, and add onion and fresh thyme. Allow to cook a few minutes, then add chopped eggplants. Adjust to taste with salt, and allow to cook for a few more minutes.
Place mixture while still hot into standard-size blender, and mix well adding a bit of olive oil to help get to smooth, creamy consistency.
Step
4
Of 4
When chickpea torta is cooled, slice into individual wedges.
Place serving of eggplant purée onto each individual serving plate, add roasted tomatoes next to purée, and top with wedge of chickpea torta.
Serve warm.
Try it with...
Filippo Bartolotta
Cecchi's Vernaccia fine and intense perfume is balanced with just the right freshness and persistency. Pairs well with fish, fresh cheeses and crispy breads.
View productThis Amarone can be described in two words: genius and composure
View productMontepulciano at its best: elegant style with great complexity.
View productCecchi's Vernaccia fine and intense perfume is balanced with just the right freshness and persistency. Pairs well with fish, fresh cheeses and crispy breads.
View productThis Amarone can be described in two words: genius and composure
View productMontepulciano at its best: elegant style with great complexity.
View producttania Tuesday 1st of September 2020
Brings Livorno back to mind
I spent a few months studying in Florence, in some of the most fun months of my life. While my friends were traveling to other far-away countries, I thought I'd stay local some of the time to get to know my surroundings a bit more. When exploring nearby Livorno, my tastebuds (and eyes) were rewarded by my decisions when I tasted my first torta. Savoury, salty, brimming with fresh herbal flavours, nothing could be better for my tastebuds than this regional delicacy. I'm so happy with this recipe that includes other vegetables and accompaniment to this dish, even if it's always good on its own too. The additions just make it even more perfect. Thanks for bringing Livorno back to life for me!