FOOD FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA

GIBRALTAR - In between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic...

...and his unusual Airport runway

CALENTITA –

Serves 4 people

Ingrediemts :

1 Cup Chikpeas flower

2 ½ Cups of water

1 Egg

2 Tbsp oil

1 Tbsp salt

¼ Tsp ground cumin ( optional  to make it in the Gibraltar way )

1 Tsp finely chopped rosemary leaves to make it the Italian way called Farinata )

In a large bowl, sift chickpea flour with salt & cumin, if using. Do not skip the sifting step.

Slowly add water and mix thoroughly with a whisk.

Set this aside on your countertop for 4 to 6 hours.
Preheat oven to 350F. and oil a baking dish on the sides and bottom.

 Add about a tbsp of oil to do this and don't drain it. Place the baking dish in the hot oven so it heats the oil well.
Add the egg and the remaining oil to the chickpea mixture and beat again.
Remove the pan from the oven and carefully add the chickpea flour preparation to the baking dish and put it back in the oven for approximately 1 hr to 1 hr 10 min. or until the sides are crispy and the top is golden brown.

Tthe calentita will look not fully cooked on top :It will firm further as it cools.

If using the chopped rosemary leaves add when adding the egg and the oil,

Cut in squares and sprinkle some fresh ground black pepper.