This Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad combines crispy, creamy, and fresh flavors. The socca, a chickpea-based flatbread, has golden edges and a slightly chewy center. Paired with whipped feta and a vibrant tomato cucumber salad, it’s perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or snack.
Ingredients
For the Socca:
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for the pan)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups water
For the Tomato Salad:
- 2–3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 small clove garlic, grated or finely minced
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped herbs (parsley, optional)
For the Whipped Feta:
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, yogurt, or mascarpone
- Fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or rosemary, optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Tomato Salad: Combine tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it marinate.
- Make the Socca Batter: Whisk chickpea flour, olive oil, salt, and water until smooth.
- Preheat the Skillet: Place 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Heat in a 450°F (230°C) oven for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Socca: Pour half the batter into the hot skillet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden around the edges. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Whip the Feta: Blend feta and cream cheese (or alternative) in a food processor until smooth. Add olive oil, fresh herbs, and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Tear or slice the socca. Spread whipped feta and top with tomato salad.
Nutrients
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!
A Mediterranean Delight: Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors, this recipe for Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad is sure to become a favorite. It’s a versatile dish that combines the rustic charm of socca, a chickpea-based flatbread, with the creamy indulgence of whipped feta and the refreshing vibrancy of a tomato-cucumber salad. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick and healthy snack, this dish has something for everyone.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
What makes this dish stand out is its harmony of textures and flavors. The socca has a golden, crispy exterior with a slightly chewy interior. Its mild nutty flavor, thanks to the chickpea flour, provides the perfect base for toppings. The whipped feta is luxuriously creamy and tangy, while the tomato salad bursts with freshness and acidity. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that is as satisfying as it is nourishing.
A Closer Look at Socca
Socca, also known as farinata in Italy, is a simple flatbread made with chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. Originating from the Mediterranean region, particularly in the South of France, this gluten-free bread has been a staple for centuries. Socca is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort.
Its versatility is one of its standout features. While this recipe pairs socca with whipped feta and tomato salad, it can also be used as a base for various toppings, much like a pizza crust. It’s naturally high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to eat more healthfully.
The Creamy Indulgence of Whipped Feta
Whipped feta is a revelation for cheese lovers. By blending feta with cream cheese, yogurt, or mascarpone, the cheese takes on a light, fluffy texture that feels almost luxurious. Feta’s natural saltiness and tang are mellowed slightly, making it the perfect counterpart to the crisp socca and acidic tomato salad. For added depth, fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary can be incorporated into the whipped feta, infusing it with an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.
The Vibrant Tomato-Cucumber Salad
The tomato and cucumber salad brings a refreshing brightness to this dish. Juicy cherry or grape tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers are tossed in a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. The dressing highlights the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the crispness of the cucumbers. Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil add an aromatic finish, elevating the salad to more than just a side dish.
Marinating the salad for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the creaminess of the whipped feta and balances the richness of the socca, tying the dish together.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Versatility: Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad works as an appetizer, light meal, or even a snack. It can be adapted with additional toppings like olives, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken for a more substantial dish.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry and fridge.
- Health Benefits: Chickpea flour is high in protein and fiber, making socca a nutritious choice. The use of fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil adds to the dish’s overall wholesomeness.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is visually stunning, with vibrant reds and greens contrasting against the golden socca. It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings, impressing both in taste and presentation.
Tips for Success
- Get the Batter Right: The socca batter should be smooth and slightly runny. Allowing it to rest for a few minutes before cooking helps to hydrate the flour and improves the texture.
- Use a Hot Skillet: Preheating the skillet in the oven ensures that the socca cooks evenly and develops those sought-after golden edges.
- Customize the Whipped Feta: Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs or spices. Dill, garlic powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can bring a unique twist to the whipped feta.
- Let the Salad Shine: Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. If you’re making the salad in advance, add the herbs and dressing just before serving to keep it vibrant and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served warm, with the socca fresh out of the oven. Arrange the socca on a platter with a generous dollop of whipped feta and a heaping spoonful of tomato salad. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired presentation.
Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade to enhance the experience.
Conclusion
Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and simplicity. It embodies the best of wholesome, homemade cooking while remaining elegant and adaptable. Whether you’re savoring it as a personal indulgence or sharing it with friends and family, this recipe delivers a delightful combination of crispy, creamy, and fresh elements. Add it to your repertoire for a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
From its quick preparation to its impressive presentation, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the journey of making and savoring this Mediterranean masterpiece!
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Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad combines crispy, creamy, and fresh flavors. The socca, a chickpea-based flatbread, has golden edges and a slightly chewy center. Paired with whipped feta and a vibrant tomato cucumber salad, it’s perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or snack.
Ingredients
For the Socca:
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for the pan)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups water
For the Tomato Salad:
- 2–3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 small clove garlic, grated or finely minced
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped herbs (parsley, optional)
For the Whipped Feta:
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, yogurt, or mascarpone
- Fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or rosemary, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Salad: Combine tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it marinate.
- Make the Socca Batter: Whisk chickpea flour, olive oil, salt, and water until smooth.
- Preheat the Skillet: Place 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Heat in a 450°F (230°C) oven for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Socca: Pour half the batter into the hot skillet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden around the edges. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Whip the Feta: Blend feta and cream cheese (or alternative) in a food processor until smooth. Add olive oil, fresh herbs, and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Tear or slice the socca. Spread whipped feta and top with tomato salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
