RCI-VG.004.0184.002
Calentita
– the quintessential 'Yanito' dish. Every Gibraltarian knows how to cook calentita! Or so they should, it is a matter of national pride.
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Servings4
Difficultybeginner
Ingredients
- 250 g
- 100 ml
- 1 unit
- 1 unit
Method
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and place a shallow, well-oiled baking pan or cast-iron dish inside to heat up while you prepare the batter.
10 minutes
2
Sift the chickpea flour into a large mixing bowl, then gradually whisk in the water, ensuring no lumps form and the batter is completely smooth.
5 minutes
3
Stir in the olive oil, salt, and a generous amount of black pepper, mixing thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2 minutes
4
Allow the batter to rest at room temperature so the chickpea flour fully hydrates and any remaining lumps dissolve.
30 minutes
5
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven, pour a thin layer of olive oil to coat the base, then pour in the rested batter to a depth of roughly 1–2 cm.
3 minutes
6
Return the pan to the oven and bake until the top is golden and lightly crisped at the edges while the interior remains dense and creamy.
25 minutes
7
Remove the calentita from the oven and allow it to cool briefly so it firms up slightly before cutting.
5 minutes
8
Cut into squares or wedges, season with additional black pepper if desired, and serve warm either on its own or with crusty bread.