**Panelle: A Culinary Journey to Sicily's Golden Chickpea Fritters**
Savor the authentic taste of Sicily with Panelle, a tantalizing street food that embodies the region's rich culinary heritage. These golden-brown fritters, crafted from a humble blend of chickpea flour, water, and fresh herbs, capture the essence of Sicilian simplicity and rustic charm. Panelle are a versatile culinary delight, enjoyed as a standalone snack or as a delectable accompaniment to hearty sandwiches, salads, and antipasti platters. Embark on a flavor-filled journey with our curated collection of Panelle recipes, each offering unique variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From the classic Panelle Siciliane to innovative interpretations like Panelle with Spinach and Ricotta or Panelle Fritters with Lemon and Herbs, our recipes provide a culinary passport to the heart of Sicilian cuisine. Discover the secrets behind this beloved fritter and elevate your culinary repertoire with the authentic flavors of Panelle.
PANELLE (SICILIAN CHICKPEA FRITTERS)
Panelle are the king of Sicilian street food! Humble yet tasty chickpea fritters, which locals traditionally eat inside a soft bun. Traditionally served in a soft bun (pane e panelle) as a simple and filling lunch. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free, they're perfect to serve at your next dinner party in lieu of crackers with dips, or with grilled vegetables or pickles. Wonderful with cold beer or wine.
Provided by lacucinadinadia
Time 1h10m
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place chickpea flour and some salt in a large saucepan over low heat. Pour in water, a little at a time, while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Once mixture is smooth and creamy, increase to medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mix starts separating from the sides of the pan.
- Add parsley and a bit of pepper. Adjust salt if needed.
- Pour chickpea mixture onto a greased baking sheet. Spread evenly to form a 1 1/2 inch thick layer. Refrigerate until mixture has hardened, at least 30 minutes.
- Slice chickpea mixture into 1 1/2- x 2-inch rectangles.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot until 250 degrees F (120 degrees F). Drop a few rectangles at a time into the hot oil and deep fry until crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 44.9 calories, Carbohydrate 4.1 g, Fat 2.7 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 1.1 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
PANELLE
You may have eaten panelle served as "chickpea fries," and that's not a bad name for them. You make a thick porridge of chickpea flour, spread it evenly into a pan and let it cool. As with thick polenta (which this resembles), you can then cut the paste into any shape you like - diamonds, squares or French fries, and fry until golden. They are not only among the easiest things to fry (there's very little spattering), but they're also gorgeous, and better than "real" fries in just about every regard.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy, side dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 appetizer servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Grease an 8-by-8 baking dish or a quarter sheet pan with some oil. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Put the chickpea flour in a large bowl. When the water comes to a boil, gradually add it to the bowl with the chickpea flour, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Scrape the mixture into the saucepan you used to boil the water, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer, stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook for just a minute.
- Scoop the chickpea mixture onto the sheet pan and spread it into an even layer. Let it cool, and cover loosely with parchment or plastic. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- Put at least 1/4 inch oil in a large skillet over medium heat; heat to 250. Cut the chickpea mixture into French fries, about 3 inches long; blot any excess moisture with a paper towel. Working in batches, gently drop them into the hot oil. Cook, rotating them occasionally until they're golden all over, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain fries on paper towels and immediately sprinkle with salt and lots of pepper. Serve hot, with lemon wedges.
CHICKPEA FRITTERS (PANELLE)
This is a popular street food in Sicily, especially in Palermo, where warm panelle are served between two pieces of country bread.
Categories Bean Appetizer Fry Cocktail Party Vegetarian Chickpea Chill Gourmet Sugar Conscious Kidney Friendly Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 10 servings (as part of antipasti)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Lightly oil an 8- by 4-inch loaf pan (6-cup capacity) and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang at each end.
- Whisk together water, chickpea flour, sea salt, and 2 tablespoons oil in a 2 1/2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan until smooth, then cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon (to prevent lumps from forming), until very thick and mixture pulls away from side of pan, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer mixture to loaf pan, smoothing top. Cool, uncovered, then chill, surface of mixture covered with plastic wrap, until firm, at least 3 hours.
- Lift chickpea block out of pan using parchment and transfer to a work surface. Gently flip over block and discard parchment, then pat dry. Cut block crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices for panelle.
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Heat 1/2 inch oil (about 2 cups) in a deep 10-inch heavy skillet until it registers 375°F on thermometer, then fry panelle in 5 batches, carefully turning occasionally with tongs, until golden and puffed, 3 to 5 minutes per batch, and transfer to paper towels to drain. Keep warm on a baking sheet in oven while frying remaining batches.
- Arrange panelle on a platter and sprinkle with parsley and cheese. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your panelle.
- Soak the chickpeas overnight: This will help them to cook more evenly and will make them easier to digest.
- Season the chickpeas well: Don't be afraid to add plenty of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices, such as cumin, coriander, or paprika, to taste.
- Cook the chickpeas until they are very soft: This will help them to bind together and will make the panelle more tender.
- Let the panelle cool completely before slicing and frying: This will help them to hold their shape and will prevent them from breaking apart.
- Serve the panelle hot, with your favorite dipping sauce: Panelle are traditionally served with a simple lemon-garlic sauce, but you can also use your favorite marinara sauce, pesto, or hummus.
Conclusion:
Panelle are a delicious and versatile Sicilian street food that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give panelle a try!
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