West Indian Spiced Chickpea Cake

Ingredients

In this West Indian adaptation, the traditional Algerian Garantita is transformed into a spiced chickpea cake. The original recipe is enhanced with a blend of Caribbean spices, such as cumin, turmeric, and allspice, to infuse it with the vibrant flavors of the region. The texture and appearance remain similar, but the taste profile is uniquely Caribbean. We alse have the original recipe for Garantita, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) chickpea flour 2 cups (400g) chickpea flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, cumin, turmeric, allspice, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to form a smooth batter.
4. 4.
   Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch round baking dish in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Carefully pour the batter into the hot baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Cut the chickpea cake into wedges and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpea flour — Ensure that the chickpea flour is fresh and free from lumps for a smooth batter.
• Ground cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• Fresh cilantro — Rinse the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry before chopping for a vibrant garnish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the chickpea cake with a side of tangy tamarind chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavors to your liking.
• Leftover chickpea cake can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
• This dish pairs well with a refreshing cucumber and mint yogurt dip.

Serving advice

Serve the West Indian Spiced Chickpea Cake as an appetizer or a side dish alongside your favorite Caribbean main course. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light snack.

Presentation advice

Present the chickpea cake on a vibrant platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. The golden crust and crispy edges will add visual appeal to the dish.