At COCO-MAT, we believe wellbeing goes far beyond a good night’s sleep. It’s found in everyday rituals, like a nourishing meal prepared with care, using ingredients that are honest, simple, and close to nature. That’s why we’re introducing a new blog series: A Taste of Tradition; a culinary journey across the countries where COCO-MAT has a presence, highlighting wholesome recipes rooted in local culture.
We begin in Italy, a country known for its love of simple, quality ingredients. Our featured recipe is the Farinata di Ceci, a golden chickpea flatbread originating from Liguria. Naturally gluten-free and rich in plant-based protein, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious; perfect for a light meal or an afternoon snack that won’t weigh you down.
Made with only a handful of ingredients – chickpea flour, water, olive oil and herbs – it’s a beautiful example of how simplicity can nurture body and mind. For this recipe, we’ve used COCO-MAT Farms olive oil, sea salt, and oregano, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.
Beyond their rich flavor, chickpeas offer surprising benefits for overall wellbeing. They’re high in fiber, supporting healthy digestion and helping to regulate the intestines. Even more interestingly, chickpeas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce melatonin – the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. So, this humble flatbread isn’t just good for your stomach!
Farinata di Ceci – Italian Chickpea Flatbread
Ingredients:
• 150 g chickpea flour
• 400 ml water
• 40 ml COCO-MAT Farms extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp COCO-MAT Farms sea salt
• COCO-MAT Farms oregano (or fresh rosemary, if preferred)
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pour the chickpea flour and water into a large bowl. Mix well with a hand whisk and let it rest for a few hours (this improves both texture and digestibility).
2. Stir again to fully combine.
3. Preheat a static oven to 250°C.
4. Brush a 32 cm aluminum baking pan generously with olive oil and pour the mixture into it.
5. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 10 minutes. Then move the pan to the middle rack and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the surface is golden.
6. Once baked, season with a pinch of pepper and serve warm, cut into slices.
Farinata di Ceci is a reminder that comfort can be simple and that wellbeing is often found in the quiet moments, with food that feels as good as it tastes.
Follow along as we continue this journey across cultures, sharing more traditional treats from our extended COCO-MAT family around the world.
