Socca with Mushrooms & Lemon Ricotta

Yield: 3-4 Servings

Recipe by Lynmar Estate Chef David Frakes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 450° (230°C) and immediately stick a 12-inch (30cm) or 13-inch (33cm) cast-iron skillet inside.
  2. Combine the chickpea flour and ¾ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Slowly stir in 1 cup (240ml) room-temp water (I do this by pouring a small splash, then mixing, over and over).
    The batter should be smooth and heavy cream like in consistency.
  4.  Stir in 1 Tablespoon of the oil.
  5.  Place the mushrooms on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 2 Tablespoons of the oil, toss, and spread into an even layer.
  6.  Roast until the mushrooms are deeply browned and crispy, about 35 minutes.
  7.  After the mushrooms have been in the oven for 25 minutes, carefully remove the hot skillet and set it on the stove over medium-high heat.
  8.  Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of the oil and swirl to coat.
  9.  Once the oil is hot, pour in the socca batter and tilt the pan to spread it out as much as possible.
  10. Turn off the stove and transfer the socca back to the oven for 10 minutes, until the top looks dry.
  11. Remove the mushrooms and socca from the oven, turn on the broiler, and place a rack about 6 inches (15cm) from the heat.
  12. Slide the socca under the broiler and toast until the edges start to char and the top is golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes, checking often.
  13. Toss the roasted mushrooms with the Tomato Paste (or Harissa, but the heat will affect the wine), then season with salt to taste.
  14.  You can use a spatula to flip the socca onto a cutting board, slice it into wedges, divide these among plates, and top evenly with the ricotta, mushrooms, and parsley, plus a pinch of salt. Or just pile on the toppings right in the skillet and serve from there.