Discover the unique and delicious Calentita, a traditional Gibraltar specialty. This chickpea-flour pancake, reminiscent of Italian farinata or socca, boasts a golden, crispy exterior with a savory, flavorful interior. Learn how to make this iconic dish with our step-by-step recipe, and savor a taste of Gibraltar's rich culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups chickpea flour

- 2 cups water

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

- Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin (if using).

2. Gradually add the water to the chickpea flour mixture while whisking continuously. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter. The batter should have a smooth, pancake-like consistency.

3. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chickpea flour to absorb the water.

4. After the resting period, give the batter a quick stir to ensure it's well mixed.

5. Preheat a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

6. Once the pan is heated, ladle a portion of the chickpea batter into the pan, spreading it out to form a thin layer, just like you would with a pancake.

7. Cook the Calentita pancake for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until it's set and the edges start to crisp up and turn golden brown.

8. Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, until it's cooked through and has a nice golden color.

9. Remove the Calentita from the pan and place it on a serving plate. You can cut it into wedges or squares, similar to how you would cut a pizza.

10. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more olive oil to the pan as needed to prevent sticking.

11. Serve the Calentita warm as a main dish or a snack. It can be enjoyed on its own or with toppings such as salsa, yogurt, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Enhance the delightful flavors of Calentita, Gibraltar's beloved chickpea-flour pancake, by getting creative with your toppings. Add a touch of sweetness with a dollop of jam or a drizzle of honey, or embrace a satisfying crunch by sprinkling on some nuts. The choice is yours! Personalize your Calentita experience and explore a world of delectable possibilities.

Nutrition Value:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the listed ingredients in your Calentita recipe. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on factors like portion size and specific brands of ingredients:

1. Chickpea Flour (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 880 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 132 grams

  - Protein: Roughly 44 grams

  - Fat: About 16 grams

  - Sodium: Minimal (depends on brand, usually around 40-60 mg)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Good source of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Rich in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc

  - Nutritional Benefits: High in protein and fiber, gluten-free, and beneficial for heart health and blood sugar control.

2. Water (2 cups):

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefits: Essential for hydration and helps in digestion and nutrient absorption.

3. Salt (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Approximately 2300 mg (varies based on type and brand)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Essential for electrolyte balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions

  - Nutritional Benefits: Regulates fluid balance, enhances food flavor, but should be used in moderation due to sodium content.

4. Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Minimal (depends on quantity, usually less than 1 mg)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and some B vitamins

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of manganese, iron, and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Acts as an antioxidant, aids digestion, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Ground Cumin (optional, 1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Minimal (depends on quantity, usually less than 1 mg)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains iron, magnesium, and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Supports digestion, may have anti-inflammatory effects, and adds flavor to dishes.

6. Olive Oil (for cooking):

  - Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: About 14 grams per tablespoon

  - Sodium: Minimal (depends on brand, usually less than 1 mg)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and may have heart-healthy benefits when used in moderation.

Calentita is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, and it's a beloved part of Gibraltar's culinary heritage.