Panissa (Ligúria)

Panissa is a traditional dish originating from Liguria. Although there is a dish with the same name in Piedmont, where it's a risotto with beans, the Ligurian panissa is a fried appetizer made with chickpea flour, water, salt, and oil for frying. A combination of chickpea flour, water, and salt is whisked, then poured into a rectangular pan and cooked until thick. The mixture is left to cool, and the blocks of the mixture are then fried in hot oil until golden brown. Once drained, panissa is sprinkled with salt and served immediately. It's recommended to serve this appetizer with a glass of sparkling wine.