Chickpea Flatbread
The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends, and this Chickpea flatbread is just the thing to make. And holiday snacks and appetizers are meant to be shared and savored together! I love this particular holiday party menu that is fresh, easy, fun, and even healthy!
But most of all, it tastes delicious! This Mediterranean-based themed party menu features Socas, a flatbread type. If you are unfamiliar with these little pancakes made with garbanzo bean/chickpea flour, you will want to read more to find out how to make these tasty treats and see how I topped ours! I think this combination will become a new family favorite!
I also want to share a few ways to survive those holiday parties, and at the end of my post, I have a great exercise tip from Michelle Kuhnen, who works with Dr. Sean Simmonds from Movement for Life Physical Therapy!
Recipe for Chickpea Flour Flatbread
Festive Holiday Socca Flatbread
This flatbread appetizer is also a light supper to eat after a big day of holiday shopping. I love the combination of ingredients, and it is so colorful! It also makes a great appetizer or meal any time of year!
Makes two servings (1 pancake each)
1 cup garbanzo bean flour
1 cup water
One tablespoon of chopped cilantro
One clove of garlic minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, if desired
Two tablespoons of olive oil
Mix all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and allow them to sit for about 30 minutes. Grease the bottom of a 12-inch iron skillet and add it to the oven while it is preheating to broil. Pour half of the batter into the skillet and place it under the broiler for about 4 minutes until golden brown and starting to brown.
Carefully remove the skillet and put it on a platter. Cut it into six slices. Serve the toppings in small bowls around the soccas. Make the second one.
Topping for Soccas Flatbread
I created the toppings for my soccas using what was available this season at my local farmers’ market!
Crumbled Feta cheese
Greek Olives
Arugula Salad (see recipe below)
Sweet Potato and Cranberries (see recipe below)
Toasted Pecans (see recipe below)
Toppings for Chickpea Flatbreads
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries
This Mediterranean-influenced recipe is a variation of the Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Fig recipe in my book Farm Fresh Nutrition. Both versions are delicious. I spiced this one for the holidays!
Makes five servings
Two sweet potatoes, peeled, sliced, and cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup onions, sliced
One tablespoon of olive oil
One teaspoon of freshly crushed coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In an iron skillet, add oil and sweet potatoes. Begin roasting for about 8-10 minutes, and add onions, cranberries, and spices. Continue to roast until onions begin to caramelize 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool and add to the tray of soccos toppings or even eat as a holiday side dish.
Toasted Pecans
1/2 cup toasted pecans
One tablespoon of butter or Earth Balance tub margarine
One teaspoon of rosemary crumbled
Add melted butter to a round cake pan, toss in the nuts, and sprinkle with rosemary. Bake at 350 degrees until slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
Arugula Salad
2 cups of arugula
Drizzle with Lemony Garlic Greek Salad Dressing in the post below!
Below is a link with Tips for Surviving the Holiday Season and Ways to Maintain Your Weight
http://www.vineripenutrition.com/surviving-the-holiday-party-and-maintaining-your-weight/
Here is a cucumber and lentil topping for socca also.
Make Some Chickpea Flatbread
I hope that you enjoy these chickpea flour flatbreads and toppings!
As a registered dietitian nutritionist in Asheville, I love making tasty, seasonal foods for my family and friends! I enjoy sharing ideas with my clients and readers for a fresh, new approach to eating! If you are new to my blog, welcome, and I hope you come back soon! If you have been reading my blog for a while, share it with your friends so they can enjoy it! Please find out how we can work together here!
You may enjoy some tasty holiday breakfast ideas, such as 10 Vegetarian Brunch Recipes for the Holidays – Vine Ripe Nutrition.
Healthy for the Holidays Exercise Tip of the Week
During the holidays, many of our friends and family time sometimes involves sitting and talking on the couch. Here are a few tips for taking care of yourself during your visit: Choose a supportive chair and use good form to sit and stand. Your back and hips will thank you!
Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Shift your weight into your heels, keeping your chest and shoulders back. Slowly lower into the chair. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times to help improve strength.
