Fresh Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad Recipe: A Sunny Delight

Crispy, golden socca with a Mediterranean twist sparks culinary adventure in your kitchen.

Chickpea flour creates a magical canvas for bold flavors waiting to unfold.

Southern French traditions blend seamlessly with vibrant ingredients that dance across your plate.

Creamy whipped feta adds luxurious texture against the rustic flatbread’s crisp edges.

Juicy tomatoes burst with summer’s warmth, complementing the herb-infused batter perfectly.

Fresh herbs scattered generously invite a sensory journey through simple yet sophisticated cooking.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this stunning Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Why Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad Shines

• Crowd-Pleasing Variety: Perfect for mixing Mediterranean flavors with a fresh, vibrant dish that satisfies different taste preferences while offering both crispy socca and creamy whipped feta.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal technical cooking knowledge.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: Creates a restaurant-quality meal using basic kitchen tools like a cast iron skillet, food processor, and common ingredients, transforming everyday cooking into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Versatile Meal Option: Works wonderfully as an appetizer, light lunch, or shared small plate that impresses guests with its sophisticated yet approachable Mediterranean-inspired profile.

What You’ll Need for Socca with Feta and Tomato Salad

• Chickpea Flour: A gluten-free flour that creates a crispy and flavorful base for the socca.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the socca batter.

• Water: Helps create a smooth and pourable batter for the socca.
• Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps create a crispy texture when baking.

• Feta Cheese: A tangy and creamy cheese that forms the base of the whipped feta spread.
• Cream Cheese, Yogurt, or Mascarpone: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, fluffy texture for the feta spread.
• Fresh Herbs: Provides additional flavor and freshness to the whipped feta.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the whipped feta.

• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy base for the salad that complements the socca.
• Olive Oil: Helps dress and enhance the flavor of the tomato salad.

How to Make Socca with Whipped Feta Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Tangy Tomato Salad

• Chopped herbs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Mix ingredients gently and let flavors meld while preparing other components.

Step 2: Create Smooth Socca Batter

• Chickpea flour
• Water
• Olive oil
• Salt

Blend until mixture becomes completely smooth with no lumps.

Step 3: Heat Cast Iron Skillet

Place cast iron skillet in oven and preheat to 450°F. Add olive oil to skillet and heat for 5 minutes until sizzling hot.

Step 4: Pour and Bake Socca

Carefully pour half the batter into hot skillet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Feta Spread

• Feta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Yogurt
• Fresh herbs
• Black pepper

Process until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Break socca into rustic chunks. Top with whipped feta and spoon tomato salad alongside.

Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.

Tasty Tips for Fluffy Socca and Creamy Feta

• Choose a cast iron skillet for the most authentic and crispy socca texture, ensuring even heat distribution and a perfect golden crust.
• Marinate tomato salad for at least 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and create a more vibrant, zesty topping.
• Blend feta cheese thoroughly to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, using room temperature ingredients for easier mixing.
• Allow socca batter to rest for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help chickpea flour hydrate and develop a better texture.
• Experiment with herb variations like fresh basil, oregano, or thyme in the whipped feta for added depth and personal flavor profile.

Fresh Takes on Socca with Tomato and Feta

• Mediterranean Herb Socca: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the batter for an aromatic herbal version that brings southern French countryside flavors.
• Spicy Harissa Socca: Mix harissa paste into the batter and top with a spicy North African-inspired tomato salad featuring chili flakes and cumin.
• Roasted Vegetable Socca: Scatter roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant over the socca before serving, creating a colorful and hearty vegetable-packed meal.
• Smoky Paprika Socca: Incorporate smoked paprika into the batter and garnish with crispy pancetta or chorizo crumbles for a rich, savory profile.

What Goes Great with Socca and Tomato Salad

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy whipped feta and bright tomato salad.
• Mediterranean Herb Harmony: Accompany the socca with a refreshing rosemary-infused sparkling water or an herbal iced tea to echo the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
• Rustic Beverage Match: Pour a light, chilled rosé wine that mirrors the casual, summery vibe of the socca and provides a perfect balance to the creamy feta and acidic tomatoes.
• Citrus Splash Companion: Serve a zesty lemonade or citrus-based mocktail to cut through the richness of the whipped feta and enhance the bright, fresh tomato salad notes.

How to Keep Socca and Feta Fresh and Flavorful

• Refrigerate: Store leftover socca and whipped feta separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep the tomato salad in a separate sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Reheat Socca: Warm socca in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
• Revive Whipped Feta: Bring refrigerated whipped feta to room temperature, then stir briefly to restore creamy consistency before serving.
• Quick Serve: Reassemble dish by spreading room-temperature whipped feta, topping with fresh tomato salad, and enjoying at room temperature for best flavor.

Socca with Feta and Tomato Salad FAQ Guide

• What is socca made from?

Socca is a traditional French-Mediterranean flatbread made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It’s naturally gluten-free and originates from Nice, France.

• Is chickpea flour the same as regular flour?

No, chickpea flour is made from ground chickpeas and is protein-rich, gluten-free, and has a nutty flavor compared to wheat flour. It’s packed with more nutrients and has a different texture.

• Can I make socca without a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet is ideal for creating a crispy texture, you can use a heavy-bottomed oven-safe pan. The key is preheating the pan to ensure a crisp, golden exterior.

Socca with Whipped Feta and Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45-51 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean socca invites culinary wanderers to savor crisp chickpea flatbread topped with creamy whipped feta and juicy tomato salad. Simple ingredients create a sensory journey that connects French and Greek flavors, promising pure delight for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 4 ounces (113 grams) feta cheese
• 2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese
• 2 to 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber slices

Base Seasonings:

• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 small clove garlic
• Freshly ground black pepper

Oils and Liquids:

• 1/4 cup olive oil (for salad)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for socca)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 1/4 cups water

Optional Herbs:

• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, basil, or rosemary)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a vibrant tomato salad by combining ingredients in a bowl, allowing flavors to meld while setting up the dish.
2. Heat oven to 450°F (230°C). Whisk chickpea flour batter until completely smooth and free of lumps.
3. Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet with olive oil for 5 minutes, ensuring an intensely hot cooking surface.
4. Pour half the socca batter into the scorching skillet, distributing evenly across the pan’s surface.
5. Bake the socca for 15-18 minutes until edges transform into a golden, crispy texture with slightly darkened corners.
6. Create the whipped feta by processing the cheese in a food processor until achieving a silky, light consistency.
7. Incorporate cream cheese, yogurt, or mascarpone into the feta mixture, blending until achieving a luxuriously creamy texture.
8. Enhance the whipped feta with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
9. Remove socca from the oven and repeat the baking process with remaining batter for a second crispy flatbread.
10. Serve hot socca torn into rustic chunks, accompanied by a generous dollop of whipped feta and a refreshing scoop of marinated tomato salad.

Notes

• Adjust chickpea flour freshness to ensure smooth, lump-free batter by sifting before mixing.
• Let batter rest for 30 minutes at room temperature to help develop better texture and flavor complexity.
• Cast iron skillet technique creates crispy edges and prevents sticking; ensure it’s well-seasoned and hot before pouring batter.
• Customize whipped feta by experimenting with different herbs like dill, basil, or chives for varied flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-36 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg