Panisse Chickpea Fritters Recipe an Appetizer from Provence
Appetizer · Provencal Recipes · Tasha Powell · TasteI learned how to make Panisse/Panelle in Sicily last year on a cooking tour at Case Vecchie. These delicious chickpea fritters are known in the Mediterranean and a favorite Provençal dish. I found Panisse to be an incredibly delicious yet simple appetizer, a perfect way to whet your guests’ appetite before a sumptuous meal. In Sicily, the Italians call this dish Panelle, but in Provence, we call it Panisse! Since it is made with chickpea flour, it is a gluten-free recipe. Panisse is typically cut in rectangular shapes and Panelle is cut in triangles. It is one of the best crunchy/salty/citrus-flavored appetizers in Provence!
From the “Impress Your Guests” Series by Tasha Powell, Food Stylist, Chef, and Food Writer.
Panisse (Panelle, Sicilian-style) or Chickpea Fritters
Panisse is very popular in Provence, although a similar recipe can be found in other places along the Mediterranean as I discovered in Sicily. Impress your guests with this salty, yet slightly sweet nibble with cocktails.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 300 grams chickpea flour stone-ground*
- 900 ml cold water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- olive oil or sunflower, for frying
- coarse salt or Maldon Sea Salt flakes (sel gris)
- lemons fresh, for serving
Instructions
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the oil and cold water and whisk in a medium-sized pan until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat and whisk continuously. You will see the texture change from that of a pancake batter, to milkshake to mashed potatoes and then to polenta. This all happens in 6-8 minutes. (If you have never made polenta, it is the consistency of a stiff mashed potato).
- When you have the consistency of polenta, quickly spread the batter on 2 dinner plates and let it cool for at least 20 minutes. The batter will make 2 crepes that will be cut into 16 triangles each. (If you are preparing the day before – wrap the crepes with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight.)
- In a large skillet, heat approx. 2 inches (5 cm) of oil until hot.
- Place the triangles of chickpea crepe into hot oil and fry, turning occasionally. The result should be golden brown and crisp.
- Place on a paper towel to drain some of the oil and immediately sprinkle coarse salt or Maldon sea salt flakes and squeeze lemon wedges on top.
- SERVE HOT with lemon wedges in case your guests desire additional citrus flavour.
Notes
*In France, I shop at Marcel et Fils (Magasin Bio) or Carrefour, Organic (Bio) Department for chickpea flour. In the U.S., I shop at Whole Foods (Bob’s Red Mill brand) for this item. Make sure to buy the finely ground chickpea flour for a crunchy exterior/soft interior Panisse.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Related Provence Articles
Summer is Rosé Time in Provence. Is 2024 a Good Vintage?
July 8, 2025
Now that summer is here, rosé wines will become even more interesting, but what about the rosé wine from Provence vintage 2024? Göran Boman, a wine expert and connoisseur of Provencal wines, recently wrote a post on his blog, “Is Provence Rosé Vintage 2024 Good?” More and more rosé is considered a wine that belongs …
Want a Unique Gourmet Experience in Provence? Book with Luberon Authentic Tours
July 7, 2025
When you book a gourmet picnic or all-day tour with Luberon Authentic Tours, you will see places that only locals know about! Are you passionate about nature? Guylaine and Franck invite you to discover the Luberon off the beaten track, aboard the legendary Defender (vintage Land Rover). You will experience breathtaking views from peaks accessible …
Experience Pure Lavender Magic: Terre Ugo Near Aix-en-Provence
June 30, 2025
Terre Ugo is delighted to announce its 2025 summer program, set amidst picturesque lavender and sunflower fields. This enchanting 7-hectare family farm, situated on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence in Puyricard, is teeming with 30,000 organic Lavender plants. From June 1 to August 31, the estate welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. Guests …
The Summer Truffle Festival in Aups is a Culinary Treat – Don’t Miss Out!
June 23, 2025
Located between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps, the village of Aups sits at 505 metres (1,657 ft). Considered the capital of the Haut-Var, this mid-sized town has a population of roughly 2200 residents. However, on a busy summer weekend, Aups attracts many visitors. It is considered the “gateway” to the Verdon Regional Natural Park, …
No Comment