gibraltariansnack
Calentita
Gibraltar's beloved chickpea flour pancake, crispy on the outside and silky within.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.7(312 ratings)#chickpea#street food#vegetarian#baked
About This Recipe
Calentita is Gibraltar's signature street food, a thick baked or pan-fried chickpea flour cake descended from the Genoese farinata. Street vendors once sold it piping hot from large trays, and today it remains the territory's most cherished comfort food.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 250 gchickpea flour
- 750 mlwater
- 3 tbspolive oil
- 1 tspsalt
- 1/2 tspblack pepper
Instructions
- 1
Make the batter
Whisk chickpea flour into cold water until smooth. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rest 30 minutes.
- 2
Preheat
Preheat oven to 220°C. Oil a 30 cm baking dish and heat it in the oven for 5 minutes.
- 3
Bake
Pour batter into the hot dish and bake 25–30 minutes until golden and set.
- 4
Serve
Cut into squares and serve hot with cracked pepper.
Pro Tips
- →
A well-heated dish gives a crispy base.
- →
Let the batter rest for best texture.
Variations
- •
Add rosemary on top before baking.
- •
Serve with a spicy tomato dip.
Storage
Best eaten fresh; reheat in oven to restore crispiness.
History & Origin
Calentita arrived with Genoese workers in the 18th century and became Gibraltar's culinary identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a frying pan?
Yes, cook like a thick pancake over medium heat.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, pure chickpea flour contains no gluten.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 4 servings total
Calories210kcal
Protein8g
Carbohydrates24g
Fat9g
Fiber4g
Protein8g
Carbs24g
Fat9g
Time Summary
Prep time10 min
Cook time30 min
Total time40 min
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