Gusto TV Mediterranean Socca Recipe - Crispy Chickpea Flatbread with Olives and Herbs

Mediterranean Socca Recipe

This Mediterranean Socca recipe brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with a crispy chickpea flatbread topped with roasted peppers, olives, and fresh herbs. Hosted by Theresa Visintin on A Is For Apple 2, this easy and versatile recipe is perfect for brunch, light lunches, or entertaining guests. The socca’s golden crust and tender interior, combined with aromatic basil and chives, create a simple yet elegant dish that’s packed with flavor and visual appeal.

The Inspiration

Socca is a traditional chickpea flatbread from Southern France, especially popular in Nice. It is naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and has a satisfying crispiness when cooked in a hot oven. Theresa Visintin’s Mediterranean twist enhances the classic recipe by adding olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs, giving it a burst of color and flavor that reflects Mediterranean culinary traditions.

This version is easy to make at home while still feeling gourmet. The combination of savory olives, tender red peppers, and aromatic herbs pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of chickpea flour. Socca is highly versatile, making it suitable for breakfast, a light lunch, or as an appetizer for entertaining. By using simple, fresh ingredients and careful cooking techniques, this recipe delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors in an approachable format.

Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) chickpea flour
¼ cup (60ml) olive oil, divided
1 red onion, chopped
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
½ cup (120ml) Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
3 tablespoons (45ml) chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh chives
Salt and pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a mixing bowl, stir together chickpea flour and 1 cup of lukewarm water.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and whisk well.
In a medium skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat.
Add onions and peppers and cook, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes, or until onions are soft.
Stir in olives and continue stirring and cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Spread pan contents evenly throughout the pan and pour batter over top.
Cook socca for 1-2 minutes, then transfer skillet to the hot oven to bake for 10-12 minutes, until socca is firm and cooked through.
Set oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove socca from the oven and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and chives.

Serving Suggestions

Mediterranean Socca is ideal for brunch, lunch, or as part of a mezze platter. Serve alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, marinated olives, or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess. For entertaining, cut the socca into small squares or wedges and serve with a variety of dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with citrus complements the nutty chickpea flavor and fresh herb notes.

The socca can also be served as a base for toppings, such as roasted tomatoes, feta cheese, or sautéed mushrooms, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. Leftovers can be reheated in a hot oven to restore crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Socca recipe showcases how simple, wholesome ingredients can create a flavorful, elegant dish. The crispy chickpea base, combined with tender vegetables, briny olives, and fresh herbs, provides a balance of textures and tastes that feels both rustic and refined.

Hosted by Theresa Visintin on A Is For Apple 2, this recipe highlights the Mediterranean tradition of using fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft simple but memorable dishes. Whether for a casual brunch, light dinner, or appetizer for entertaining, this socca delivers a satisfying, wholesome, and flavorful experience.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!