Courgettes “scarpaccia” – vegan Italian bake

by Lucia Stansbie

This is a great recipe for a delicious and easy to make starter – a typical Italian bake called “scarpaccia”.

Scarpaccia is a crispy think bake made with courgettes, which can be served on its own or with dips; it is packed with fibre and micronutrients – a definitive upgrade from pitta bread!

Courgettes, also known as zucchini, are a versatile vegetable packed with health benefits. They are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for hydration and weight management. Rich in vitamins A and C, courgettes support skin health and immune function. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health

INGREDIENTS:

3 courgettes (zucchini)

8 zucchini flowers

4 fresh spring onions

Fine salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

90g all-purpose flour

40g chickpea flour

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling

METHOD

• Wash the courgettes, zucchini flowers, and spring onions thoroughly. Slice the courgettes into thin rounds, chop the zucchini flowers, and finely mince the spring onions. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and mix well. Cover and let the vegetables rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours to release their natural moisture.
• After resting, collect the liquid released by the vegetables in the bowl. Use this liquid to create a batter by mixing in the all-purpose and chickpea flours. Add olive oil and season with pepper. Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy batter. If it feels too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
• Grease a 35 x 25 cm baking tray and pour the batter into it. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and spread the mixture evenly with your hands to form a thin, compact layer about 1 cm thick. Preheat a fan oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake for 30 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy.
• Remove the scarpaccia from the oven, let it cool slightly, and enjoy this savory treat as a side dish or a light snack!