Chickpea Pizza Base Recipe

I love pizzas and am always looking for different ways to make them...

This base is made from chickpea flour. It can also go by the names socca, besan, gram or garbanzo flour. It is more nutritious that using a normal gluten free flour blend and is high in fiber and protein.

Although it is naturally gluten free, when purchasing the flour, ensure that the brand you choose does not have a contamination warning. It could contain traces if it is handled in a factory that also handles gluten. This one from Doves Farm is gluten free.

Recipe:
(Makes 1 pizza base)

140g chickpea (gram) flour

200ml cold water 

1 tbsp sunflower oil, plus extra for frying

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp of dried oregano

Place the flour, water, 1 tablespoon of oil, salt and oregano in a large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth (the mixture will be very wet). Leave for an hour so the flour can absorb some of the water and then whisk again briefly. 

Heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil in a large frying pan, pour in the mixture and cook on a medium heat until firm for approximately 8-10 minutes - flipping halfway through. It will be like a thick pancake.

Preheat the oven to 190c. Transfer the base to a baking tray then allow to cool slightly before applying the toppings of your choice. Cook in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbling.

I used tomato puree, salami, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella and finished with rocket at the end.