Leek farinata

/5

PRESENTATION

So here's the deal: when classic Ligurian cuisine meets some seriously clever ideas, you get this amazing leek farinata. This dish is all about that chickpea flatbread with leeks vibe, which is a total street food favorite along the stunning Ligurian coast. It's like, take those often-discarded tender leek greens, toss them in, and you've got a twist that really rocks. The chickpea flour gives a moist and earthy base, while the leeks? They add this gentle sweetness and a burst of color—so so pretty.

This dish totally nails the golden crisp edges you'd expect from an Italian leek pancake, with that veggie-rich vibe. And you know what? In Liguria, they just toss in whatever greens they have, which makes this version spot-on for a gluten-free leek farinata that's hearty yet light.

Vegetable-forward dishes like this? They're not just about saving money—they are about making food super interesting. Using leek tops gives a deeper, savory flavor with a hint of crispiness when baked. Farinata often gets compared to other chickpea pancakes like the French socca, but in Liguria, there's always some unique twist. Like, sometimes they use wild herbs or market leftovers—whatever works. It's the kind of meal you'll find at seaside stalls or around family tables, where folks eagerly grab a piece to dip into whatever's nearby.

And listen, if you’re into Italian veggie pies or vegan dishes, this vegan leek farinata is just the thing. It has this tangy edge from the chickpeas and richness that stays light enough for a snack or appetizer. Even people who aren't big on leeks find themselves grabbing seconds—especially when the crispy bits on top catch the eye. So next time you’re wondering what to do with leftover veggies, just remember that farinata di ceci con porri is more than about using what you have—it's about making something really really tasty and memorable out of it. For sure.

You might also like:

INGREDIENTS
Ingredients for a 11x14 inch tray
Chickpea flour 0.625 cup (100 g)
Leeks 2 - (only the green part)
Water 1 ¼ cup (300 g)
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Fine salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Leek farinata

To prepare leek farinata, first wash the green part of the leek thoroughly and slice it into rings 1. In a pan, pour a drizzle of oil 2, add the leek, and cook it for about 5 minutes, adding a little water. Meanwhile, prepare the farinata. In a bowl, pour the chickpea flour and 3 tablespoons of oil 3.

Add salt, pepper 4, and half a teaspoon of turmeric 5. Pour the water slowly 6, stirring with a whisk.

You should obtain a rather liquid mixture without lumps 7. At this point, the leeks will be well sautéed, turn off the heat 8. Transfer the farinata mixture into a previously greased 11x14 inch baking tray 9, to achieve a thickness of about 1/5 inch.

Add the leek leaves on top 10, spreading them well over the entire surface 11. Bake in a preheated static oven at 428°F for about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve the farinata hot or warm!

Storage

The leek farinata is best enjoyed right out of the oven, but it can be stored in the fridge covered for up to 2 days. We recommend reheating it before serving.

Tip

Farinata allows you to revive all the vegetables you have forgotten in the refrigerator, such as a handful of spinach or half an onion, or some boiled potatoes or leftover zucchini. You can also try it with salmon or shrimp. And don't forget to use the aromatic herbs!

ANTI-WASTE MANUAL

Anna Spinelli is an editor of children's and young adult books at Piemme – Il Battello a Vapore (Mondadori Group). Graduated in Modern Literature, after a Master in International Screenwriting and Production and a Roman stint in the world of cinema, she settled in Milan to delve into publishing. Her sustainable spirit sees her discovering new stories and working behind the scenes of books to help give new generations the tools to open up to the world and create culture. The book 'The Anti-Waste Manual,' made in collaboration with Too Good To Go, earned her the Nudge Global Impact Award 2022, which awards projects with the greatest impact in the field of sustainability.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.