Chickpea Fritters
(Panelle)
Ingredients:
3 cups water
2 cups chickpea flour
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
2 and 1/4 to 2 and 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Special equipment:
Parchment paper
Deep-fat thermometer
Directions:
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 olive oil in a 2 and 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 olive 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. Makes 10 servings.
Note: Panelle can be fried 4 hours ahead and kept, uncovered, at room temperature.
Reheat on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven 10 to 15 minutes.