Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad

This Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad is a delightful blend of crispy, creamy, and fresh flavors. The socca, made with chickpea flour, becomes wonderfully crispy around the edges while maintaining a slightly chewy interior. Paired with a luscious whipped feta and a bright, tangy tomato cucumber salad, every bite is a taste of summer.

Perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or a snack to share, this dish is not only flavorful but also simple to make. The golden edges of the socca, smooth feta spread, and the vibrant colors of the tomato salad make for an appetizing and wholesome experience that you and your guests will enjoy.

Full Recipe:

For the Socca:

1 cup chickpea flour
2 tablespoons olive oil (and 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, for added crunch)
1/4 cup olive oil
1–2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, grated or finely minced
A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh chopped herbs (such as parsley, optional)

For the Whipped Feta:

4-ounce container feta cheese
2 ounces cream cheese, whole milk yogurt, or mascarpone (for a creamy texture)
Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary (optional, I like thyme!)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven is preheating, mix the tomato salad ingredients in a bowl and let it sit to marinate.
Whisk all the socca ingredients together until smooth. Pour 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 10-inch cast iron skillet and place it in the oven for 5 minutes to preheat.
Pour half of the socca batter evenly into the skillet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden around the edges. Repeat with the second half of the batter.
While the socca is baking, blend the feta cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add the cream cheese, yogurt, or mascarpone, and continue blending to make a fluffy, creamy sauce. Season with fresh herbs, olive oil, and black pepper.
Tear off chunks of the hot, crispy socca and serve with a spread of whipped feta and a scoop of fresh tomato salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: Approximately 250 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Background and Origin

Socca, also known as Farinata in Italy, is a chickpea flatbread traditionally enjoyed as a street food in the regions of Southern France and Northwestern Italy. It’s naturally gluten-free, thanks to the chickpea flour, and has a deliciously earthy and nutty flavor that complements many toppings. While it’s a simple, humble dish, socca’s crisp edges and chewy center make it the perfect canvas for a variety of flavors, from savory spreads to fresh, bright salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a combination of flavors and textures that feel sophisticated yet approachable. The socca is crispy, light, and has a subtle flavor, which pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy whipped feta. The tomato and cucumber salad on top adds a fresh, juicy crunch and a hint of acidity that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a versatile dish, easily customizable based on dietary needs, preferences, or what you have in your pantry.

Tips for Making the Perfect Socca

Pan Size Matters: The size of the cast iron skillet is crucial for getting the right texture. If you want thinner, crispier socca, use a larger skillet, or pour less batter to create a thin layer. For thicker, softer socca, use a smaller pan or pour more batter.
Preheat the Pan: To achieve those golden, crispy edges, make sure to preheat the skillet with a little olive oil before adding the batter. This step ensures a beautifully crisp crust.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the socca batter a few hours in advance. In fact, letting the batter sit helps improve the flavor. Just whisk it again before pouring it into the hot skillet.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

For the Socca Batter: If you prefer a softer socca, add a touch more water to the batter to make it slightly thinner. You can also mix in your favorite herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, directly into the batter for an extra punch of flavor.
Whipped Feta Variations: Whipped feta can be made with various textures, depending on your preference. If you want a lighter and airier spread, use cream cheese or mascarpone. For a more tangy and savory flavor, blend in a little yogurt or sour cream. You can also mix in roasted garlic, lemon zest, or fresh herbs to elevate the flavors.
Tomato Salad Twists: The salad is designed to be fresh and simple, but you can get creative with it! Adding Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or red onions would bring additional flavors and textures to the dish. Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or basil also make a lovely addition.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer or Main Course: Socca with whipped feta and tomato salad makes a beautiful appetizer for a dinner party or an al fresco lunch in the summer. You can break the socca into smaller pieces to serve as finger food, or leave it whole for guests to slice and enjoy.
Toppings Galore: While the recipe focuses on whipped feta and tomato salad, this socca is a versatile base for a variety of toppings. Try adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even grilled shrimp for a protein-packed version. If you want to make it more filling, add a protein like roasted chicken, chickpeas, or even crispy bacon bits.

Health Benefits

Gluten-Free and Plant-Based: This socca recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to be completely plant-based if you use a vegan alternative for the whipped feta.
High Protein and Fiber: Chickpea flour is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this dish a balanced and nutritious option. The combination of fresh vegetables in the salad also adds plenty of vitamins and antioxidants to the dish.
Healthy Fats: The olive oil used in the socca and the salad dressing provides heart-healthy fats, and the addition of feta adds some calcium and protein to the meal.

Storing and Reheating

Socca is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it’s crispy and warm. However, if you need to store leftovers, keep the socca, whipped feta, and tomato salad separate in airtight containers. The socca can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the socca back in a hot oven or skillet to restore its crispness. The whipped feta and salad should be refrigerated and can be enjoyed for up to 3 days.

Serving with Drinks

Socca with whipped feta and tomato salad pairs well with light, refreshing beverages. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé will complement the fresh, tangy flavors. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime, or a refreshing iced tea with fresh herbs.

The Socca-Making Process: Getting the Perfect Texture

The secret to a great socca lies in the texture. You want it to be crisp and golden on the outside with a slightly tender, almost pancake-like inside. The batter is quite thin, similar to crepe batter, and it quickly cooks in the oven. Here are a few tips to nail the perfect socca:

Resting the Batter: While not necessary, letting the socca batter rest for 30 minutes to an hour can improve the flavor and texture. This resting period allows the chickpea flour to hydrate fully, making it easier to achieve that crispy exterior and soft interior.
Heat and Crispness: The hotter the pan, the crispier the socca will be. Make sure the cast iron skillet is sizzling hot before you pour in the batter. This initial burst of heat will ensure the socca edges become crunchy and golden, while the center stays slightly tender.
Thickness: The thickness of the socca is all about preference. A thin layer will yield a cracker-like crisp, while a thicker layer will result in a more chewy and pancake-like texture. Adjust based on what you enjoy more!

Flavor and Seasoning Ideas

Though socca has a simple, nutty flavor on its own, you can enhance it with seasonings:

Spices: Adding cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, or turmeric to the socca batter can bring out Middle-Eastern or Indian flavors. Alternatively, a pinch of chili flakes or black pepper can add a touch of heat.
Herbs and Citrus Zest: Stir in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives directly into the batter. You can also add lemon zest or orange zest for a citrusy brightness.

Whipped Feta Tips: Achieving the Creamiest Texture

Whipped feta is the star of this dish, bringing a rich and tangy contrast to the crispy socca. To make it perfectly creamy:

Blending Techniques: Use a food processor, high-speed blender, or even a hand mixer to whip the feta until it’s completely smooth. If your feta is very firm, add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of cream to help it blend better.
Balancing Flavors: Since feta can be quite salty, taste the whipped feta as you go. You might not need to add extra salt, but a touch of black pepper, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavors.
Variations: For a milder flavor, swap out half of the feta with ricotta cheese or goat cheese. Alternatively, for a Mediterranean twist, blend in a spoonful of roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or black olives.

Tomato Salad: A Burst of Freshness

The tomato salad adds a vibrant, refreshing element to the dish and can be easily customized:

Choosing Tomatoes: Opt for cherry or grape tomatoes, as they tend to be sweeter and less watery than larger varieties. However, if you have garden-fresh heirloom tomatoes, those would work beautifully as well.
Balancing Acidity: White vinegar is used to dress the salad, but you can switch it up with lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile. Remember to taste the salad before serving to ensure the acidity is balanced with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the whipped feta.
Herb Mix: Fresh herbs elevate the salad, and parsley is just the beginning! Consider using fresh basil for a classic Italian taste, mint for a cool and refreshing note, or cilantro for a hint of brightness.

Pairing Socca with Whipped Feta: Ways to Elevate the Dish

Mix in Proteins: While the dish is vegetarian, you can easily add proteins like shredded roasted chicken, crispy bacon bits, sautéed shrimp, or even canned chickpeas to boost its heartiness.
Grilled Veggies: Make the dish more robust by serving grilled or roasted vegetables on the side. Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus make great accompaniments.
Nuts and Seeds: For an added crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds over the whipped feta before serving. The nuts add both texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese.

Meal Customization and Diet-Friendly Tips

Gluten-Free and Naturally Vegan-Friendly: The base of socca is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a wonderful choice for those with dietary restrictions. If you want to keep the whipped feta dairy-free, use a vegan cream cheese and a plant-based feta alternative. The rest of the dish is already vegan-friendly!
Keto-Friendly Option: For those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, socca made from chickpea flour is a good alternative to traditional bread, flatbreads, or crackers. Pairing it with a high-fat whipped feta and olive oil-based salad makes for a balanced keto-friendly meal.

Presentation and Plating Ideas

Rustic Family Style: Serve the socca whole on a large platter, with a bowl of whipped feta and a bowl of tomato salad on the side. Let guests break off pieces of the socca and top them with the feta and salad as they like.
Layered Style: For a more composed presentation, spread a layer of whipped feta directly on top of the baked socca and top it with the tomato salad. This creates a visually appealing and ready-to-eat dish, similar to a flatbread or bruschetta.
Individual Servings: If you’re serving this as an appetizer, cut the socca into bite-sized pieces, spread a dollop of whipped feta on each piece, and top with a small spoonful of tomato salad. Garnish with a fresh herb sprig for an elegant touch.

Perfect for Entertaining

Socca with whipped feta is not only delicious but also interactive and fun to serve at gatherings. Since guests can customize their own pieces, it encourages sharing and creates a casual, communal dining experience. Additionally, since the components can be prepared ahead of time, this dish makes for easy, stress-free entertaining.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

High in Plant-Based Protein: Chickpea flour is a great source of protein, making this dish filling and suitable for those who are reducing meat intake.
Rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients: The tomatoes and cucumbers add a fresh crunch and are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. Additionally, the olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Balanced Macros: The socca itself provides complex carbohydrates and protein, while the whipped feta contributes healthy fats and calcium, and the tomato salad rounds out the dish with vegetables and micronutrients.

Conclusion

Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad is a versatile, flavorful dish that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, and fresh elements. This gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly recipe is easy to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings and add-ins. It’s perfect for sharing, entertaining, or simply enjoying a light, healthy meal. With its vibrant presentation and delicious taste, this dish brings a taste of Mediterranean sunshine to your table!