Foodie Blogroll

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Zucchini - Chickpea Pancakes

Here is another recipe using the chickpea flour and yes another zucchini recipe ('tis the season). This is so easy and tasty I think I need to stock up on some more chickpea flour. This is also a gluten free recipe, and can be vegan if you don't top it with Parmesan cheese like I did! It is almost like a fritter, but not deep fried and without the eggs.
Chickpea flour is used in Mediterranean and Indian cooking. I used it in my carrot-zucchini pakoras, and I made plain chickpea pancakes for my Tiny Bento Blog. I didn't post that recipe, but I will. I got my chickpea flour at a whole foods store, you can also find it at a local Indian grocery store, where it’s sold as gram flour; it’s also known as besan, ceci flour, and so on.
I got this recipe from Maki on Just Hungry, she is great! She has a bento cookbook coming out and I can't wait to see it.

I followed the recipe pretty much. I didn't have squash blossoms so I didn't use them. I did add a little smokey paprika, but I don't think you need it. Makes 2 large pancakes, which make 2 main dish servings or 4 appetizer/side dish servings I did the smaller pancakes.

3 medium zucchini, or about 4 cups shredded
Some coriander or basil leaves (optional: adds flavor and a little color)
1 cup chickpea flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garam masala
1/2 tsp. red chili powder
1/2 tsp. curry powder
Olive oil for cooking

Finely shred or julienne the zucchini - I use a mandolin for this. Chop the herbs. Put all into a large bowl; add the salt, spices and the chickpea flour. Mix well - the moisture that comes out of the zucchini may be enough to turn this into a batter, but if not add a tiny bit of water, just so that it turns moist and holds together.

Heat up a small (8 inch / 20cm) non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add some olive oil and spread around. The original recipe has you put in about half of the batter and spread around to form a circle. Cook for about 5 minutes, then turn and cook for another 5 minutes or so, until it’s cooked all the way through. (You can slice into the middle a bit to see if there’s any batter oozing still; if so, cook a bit more.) Repeat for the other half of the batter. I just made them into patties and cooked them until nice and crispy on each side and they were still a little moist on the inside.

If you make the large ones you can cut them into wedges, and serve hot or at room temperature.

Note: If you want a crispy outside, use more oil in the pan; if you want it soft (and less caloric) add less. You can use ghee or butter instead of the olive oil.
You can serve them with curries, salsa, marinara or many choice of sauces that you like. We ate them as is, they were good. Of course you can make them as spicy as your family will enjoy it.
I just topped with some fresh grated parmesan cheese! It was so easy and we will be making them again.

Thursday we enjoyed Coquina beach with my aunt and uncle and actually had Wade take an afternoon off from work. It was a beautiful day and a good time with family!

20 comments:

  1. lovely dish, sound really good, must try this out in one day.

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  2. Lyndz~ I've seen the chickpea flour before but have no idea what to do with it. Yeah, we can easily get this kind of flour at the Indian stores. Lovely recipe and thank you for sharing it. Hope you're having a great time.
    Blessings, kristy
    p/s more parties & cakes coming up soon huh! Just enjoy yourself.

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  3. That looks so delicious! Can have it as a light lunch on weekends..I would prefer the crispy version:D Just might give this a try if I can find a small packet of chickpeas flour. Thanks for sharing Lyndsey.

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  4. These pancakes make lovely snack or even a meal. I love the use of Indian spices in this. That beach shot is lovely!!

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  5. Perfect as a picnic snack on the beautiful beach! I am jealous!

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  6. Ahh, good, yet another way to use up my courgettes. Thanks Diane

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  7. Wonderful, this sounds so tasty. Maybe with some creme fraiche or sour cream... Oh and I have to check out your pakoras too. I adore them.
    *kisses* HH

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  8. This look really yummy Lyndsey! loe it! gloria

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  9. Wow, these look so good!! I have seen chick pea flour, now you've given me a reason to buy some....I know my girls will love these!

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  10. Sonia - it's so easy to try! Enjoy!

    Kristy - So far I've made 4 different things with the flour and enjoyed them all. The pakoras and pancakes are so easy and tasty. Now you don't think I'm actually going to bake a cake for my birthday do you? :D

    Jeannie - I enjoyed the taste and like the crispy ones better too. The flour is called by many names, good luck!

    petite - thanks I love this area for beautiful beaches. The Indian spice do make it special!

    3HT - You are right! Perfect for a snack on this gorgeous beach!

    Diane - I thought of you! :D

    HH - They are so easy to make! You have to try them!

    Gloria - Thanks you, I'll share! I wish you could bring one of your beautiful desserts!

    Chef Dennis - I think this is perfect for your girls, and the seasoning is so adjustable.

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  11. I'm so happy to see a great recipe using chick pea flour. I had just bought a bag lately to try on some savoury muffins and now needed more recipes to use it on. These pancakes look scrumptiuos.

    That beach looks incredibly devine...can I join you?

    Ciao for now and have a wonderful time,
    Claudia

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  12. I have yet to use chickpea flour!! These sound great...keep the zucc recipes coming ;) Beautiful, serene beach pic!

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  13. I've never used chickpea flour - that looks great!

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  14. I've been planning on getting into Bento, especially for my kids as I think it will be such a treat. Hmmm....someday. I love the flavours in this pancake too, esp the coriander

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  15. very delicious and simple zucchini recipe. i have lots of zucchini's sitting in the fridge, only if i had some chickpea flour at hand too!

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  16. Your photo of the beach is beautiful and your pancake recipe sounds delicious. I have to order some chickpea flower. I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  17. Wonderful! I'm definitely going to try these too. Just love everything you post Lyndsey! :-)

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  18. They look delicious but the first read of the title was ugh. I love the recipe so I will definately being making and eating these.

    Sara
    http://www.momentsofelegance.com

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  19. These will make a great addition to my menu. I am trying to imagine what chickpea flour tastes like.

    I am sure it can be gotten through Bob's Red Mill.

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