The Savory Italian Pancake That Features A Crispy Outside And Custardy Inside
BY SIMONE GERBER
In America, pancakes are known for being sweet, fluffy, and often doused in maple syrup, but Italy is home to a savory, versatile chickpea pancake called fainá.
The savory and simple pancakes are made with chickpea flour, olive oil, salt, pepper, and water, then both fried and baked for a crispy exterior and custardy-soft inside.
To make fainá, mix 1-2 cups of chickpea flour with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’d like, plus a few glugs of oil and enough water to form a thin batter.
Lightly fry the batter in an oven-safe skillet, then bake in an oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the pancakes turn crispy.
Fainá can be eaten any time of day as a breakfast, snack, or side. Try adding cheese, topping with fresh veggies, or using black beans or lentils in place of chickpeas.