Panelle

Photo: flickr user jasonlam

Ingredients

Chick-pea Flour Fritters

3 cups Cold water

Salt to taste

1/2 cup Chick-pea (garbanzo) flour

2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley

cup Freshly grated parmigiano opt

Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparation

In a medium-size bowl combine the water and salt. Add the flour slowly, mixing well with a wooden spoon or a wire whisk after each addition to prevent lumps. When all the flour has been added, you should have a smooth batter.

Pour the mixture into a medium-size saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 12 to 15 minutes.

As it cooks, the mixture will thicken considerably. If it thickens too much, however, and sticks heavily to the spoon or the whisk, add a bit of cool water. Just before removing it from the heat, stir in the parsley and parmigiano and mix energetically to incorporate. The mixture should have the consistencne of a medium-thick bechamel or a thick gravy.

Pour the mixture onto a medium-size baking sheet. Wet a spatula (keep a small bowl of cold water next to you to dip the spatula) and quickly spread the msiture evenly to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Refrigerate, uncovered, for several hours or overnight, until it is very firm. When you are ready to fry, cut it into 2-inch squares.

Heat one inch of oil in a heavy, medium-size skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry the _panelle_ a few at a time until they are lightly golden on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove with a sloted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and serve while hot.