Provençal Vanille Panisse

Background and History of Provençal Vanille Panisse

Provençal Vanille Panisse is a delightful twist on traditional panisse, a staple dish of Provence, France. Originally, panisse is a fried chickpea flour cake, beloved for its simplicity and rich flavor. It is deeply connected to the Provençal culture, often enjoyed as a street food or as a delicious accompaniment to local dishes. By infusing it with vanilla, we introduce an aromatic sweetness, adding depth and complexity while paying homage to the rustic roots of the dish.

Ingredients

• Chickpea Flour - 250g
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 750ml
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons (plus extra for frying)
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Honey - 1 tablespoon (optional, for sweetness)
• Thyme (fresh) - A sprig for garnish
• Lemon Zest - From one lemon

Preparation Instructions

Making the Chickpea Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, gradually whisk the chickpea flour with the water, ensuring no lumps form.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and honey for additional sweetness, if desired.

Cooking the Chickpea Mixture

1. Transfer the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the olive oil and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens to a smooth paste, approximately 10-15 minutes. Ensure the batter does not stick to the bottom by stirring continuously.

Setting the Panisse

1. Once thickened, pour the mixture into a greased baking tray, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
2. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm to the touch.

Cooking Process

Frying the Panisse

1. Turn out the set panisse onto a cutting board and slice into thick batons or wedges.
2. In a frying pan, heat the additional olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the panisse slices in batches until golden brown on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Sprinkle with lemon zest and freshly chopped thyme for garnish.
6. For a perfectly fried finish, make sure the oil is sufficiently hot; test by adding a small piece—if it sizzles and bubbles immediately, it is ready for frying.

Enjoying Your Provençal Vanille Panisse

This dish marries savory and sweet, providing a unique eating experience. Serve as an appetizer or a side dish at your next dinner party, pairing beautifully with a chilled glass of rosé. You can also serve it with a light salad or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an added touch of elegance. Sit back, enjoy the blend of spices and aromas, and let the flavors of Provence transport you to the sun-kissed south of France.

For an extra special touch, try serving your panisse with a homemade garlic and herb dip. Simply mix garlic, plain yogurt, finely chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a dash of olive oil. This will add a refreshing complement to the rich and creamy panisse.