Panelle - Sicilian Chickpea Fritters

Ingredients

Chickpea flour

1 cup

Water

3 cups

Salt

1 teaspoon

Fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup

Olive oil

for frying

Lemon wedges

for serving

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, water, and salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
2. Pour the mixture into a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a dough-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley until well combined.
4. Grease a baking sheet with a little olive oil. Spread the chickpea mixture evenly onto the sheet, smoothing it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Let it cool completely at room temperature.
5. Once cooled, cut the mixture into squares or rectangles.
6. In a large frying pan, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the panelle in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
7. Fry each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried panelle to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.