19 Best Rated
Dishes with Chickpea Flour

Known as karantika in Algiers and calienté in Morocco, this beloved traditional dish traces its origins back to Spanish influence during the colonial period, as its name is derived from the Spanish word calentita, which means "warm." Over time, what began as a humble, filling meal for the working class evolved into one of Algeria’s and Morocco's most cherished street foods, often enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. The essence of the dish lies in its simplicity and rich, comforting flavor. It is made from a smooth batter of chickpea flour, water, oil, salt, pepper, and eggs, which is then baked until it develops a golden, slightly crisp crust on top while remaining creamy and custard-like inside. Some variations of the recipe include a pinch of cumin or a hint of chili to enhance its depth and warmth. When it comes out of the oven, the dish is traditionally cut into generous squares or wedges and often served tucked into a piece of crusty bread, making it perfect for eating on the go. It is common to find street vendors offering it with a dollop of harissa or a smear of mustard to add a spicy or tangy kick that beautifully complements its mild, nutty flavor. Part of what makes karantika or calienté so beloved is its versatility: it can be enjoyed as a snack, a light lunch, or even a comforting dinner.Expand

Shiro wat or tsebhi shiro is an Ethiopian and Eritrean stew made with chickpeas or broad beans as main ingredients, along with garlic, onions, ginger, tomatoes, and chili peppers. The chickpeas give this stew a nice texture and nutty flavor, but they can be replaced by shiro powder, which is a combination of chickpea flour and various spices. The dish is traditionally prepared for special occasions such as Ramadan and Tsom. It is recommended to serve shiro with injera flatbread on the side.Expand

This traditional Ligurian dish is a simple, oven-baked flatbread made only with chickpea flour, water, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. Its origins can be traced to Roman times, but according to legend, farinata as we know it today is said to have been invented in August of 1284, when the Republic of Genoa defeated Pisa in the battle of Meloria in the Ligurian Sea. On their way back home, the Genoese ships were hit by a tempest, and some of the olive oil and chickpea flour barrels broke, they were mixed together, then moistened by salty sea water. After the tempest, realizing they didn’t have anything else to eat, the sailors put this mixture to dry in the sun and consumed it. Often flavored with rosemary, farinata di ceci can be eaten plain or enjoyed with creamy stracchino or crescenza cheese and a touch of pesto alla Genovese.Expand

Muthia is an Indian dumpling or a fritter consisting of chickpea flour, turmeric, chili powder, fenugreek, and salt. Sometimes, the combination is additionally bonded together with oil, or sweetened with sugar. Once shaped, muthia can be either fried or steamed, depending on personal preferences. Although this is a Gujarati staple, there are many varieties of muthia, made with spinach, cabbage, or gourds. Whether steamed or fried, muthia is typically garnished with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and chopped coriander.Expand

Originally derived from the Genovese farinata, socca eventually became the specialty of Nice, France, where it is a street food staple. This traditional flatbread is made with chickpea flour, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once the batter is prepared, it is transferred to a wide pan or a skillet, which is placed in the oven at very high temperature. The batter is then baked until the socca hardens and begins to slightly burn on the edges. Once baked, socca is sliced into pieces and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. It can be served as an appetizer with cheese, olives, and a glass of rosé on the side.Expand

Papadum is a snack made with either gram, rice, or chickpea flour that is baked into a thin, crispy cracker bread. It can be consumed on its own, with pickles, or served with other dishes such as curries, when it's used as a utensil for scooping the dish up. Papadum can also be topped with chutneys or raita sauce and accompanied by hot tea. With its popularity, there are some variations on the dish, such as rice papadum which is boiled in water and dried in the sun, masala papadum with spices such as black pepper, chili, cumin, and garlic, or jackfruit papadum from Karnataka, which combines jackfruit with chickpea flour. Papadums are also quite popular in the United Kingdom and Australia, where the bread is served as an appetizer, and it's usually accompanied by mango chutney and lime pickle dips.Expand

These delectable chickpea fritters are believed to have been introduced to Sicily by the Arabs who dominated the area between the 9th and the 11th century. Today, panelle are one of the most popular street foods on the island, especially in Palermo where they are traditionally served in a round bun with sesame seeds on top. Best enjoyed warm, the crunchy fritters are typically drizzled with lemon juice and, for a more substantial snack, they can be topped with fresh ricotta cheese.Expand

Fainá is a unique flatbread made with chickpea flour, black pepper, and lots of fresh herbs. It is extremely popular throughout Argentina and Uruguay. The most prevalent theory about its origin says that Genovese immigrants brought it to Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the early 20th century, and over time it became a popular food item in the country. Fainá is typically served as an accompaniment to pizza, in a way that pizza slices are topped with a piece of fainá. When paired this way, the dish is then known as pizza a caballo or horseback pizza.Expand

Masala papad is a traditional snack and a version of papadum flatbread that’s topped with a mix of tangy and spicy ingredients. The flatbread is roasted or fried and it’s usually made with lentil, chickpea, or rice flour. After it’s been roasted or fried until crunchy, it’s topped with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, coriander, hot chili powder, lemon juice, chaat masala, and salt. It’s important to add the topping after the flatbread has been fried or roasted, otherwise it will get soggy. If desired, additional ingredients can be added to the topping, such as cucumbers, mint leaves, carrots, or raw mango. Masala papad is traditionally served as a snack or an appetizer, but it can also be served as an accompaniment to various Indian meals.Expand