Farinata is delicious, filling and perfect for any brunch. It’s like a savory crepe, but healthier and richer in taste. This Kale and Red Kuri Squash farinata is a great autumn dish

Total Prep and Cook Time: 30 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the farinata batter

• 1 1/3 cups water
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil – plus a little extra for cooking
• 1 cup chickpea flour (gram flour)
• salt and pepper – to taste

For the kale and red kuri squash topping

• 1 medium red kuri squash
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• sea salt – to taste
• oil – for cooking
• 1 medium yellow onion – diced
• 2 cups (about 7 ounces) mushrooms – cleaned and roughly chopped
• 1 bunch (about 14 ounces) green kale – washed and patted dry
• 1/4 teaspoon nigella seeds
• salt and pepper – to taste
• 7 ounces halloumi – thickly sliced (optional – leave it out for a vegan recipe)

Make the farinata batter

1. Put all the batter ingredients in a blender and combine for about 30 seconds on fast until smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few bubbles. Set aside to rest for about 30 minutes.

Make the topping

1. Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
2. Carefully cut red kuri squash in half, remove all seeds and strings. Cut squash into half moons. Toss the cut squash in olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until soft.
3. In the meantime, trim thick stems off kale and remove the ribs. Stack sections of leaves and roll them into a tube, then cut them into ribbons crosswise.
4. In a medium pan, heat the cooking oil on medium heat. Add in the onions and cook until just softened, stirring frequently. Add in the mushrooms and continue cooking until the mushrooms are also softened, stirring frequently. Add in the kale, nigella seeds, and a small ladle of water (about 3 tablespoons worth). Give it a quick stir and then cover (the water will steam the kale) and cook for about 2 minutes. Remove the cover and cook, stirring frequently until the water has all evaporated, about 2 minutes.
5. If serving with halloumi, transfer the kale mixture to a bowl and set aside. In the same pan, fry the halloumi on both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

Make the farinata

1. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pour one-quarter of the batter into the pan and swirl round to cover the base. Fry until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Flip over and fry the other side until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and keep warm while you repeat with the remaining batter.

To serve

1. Place the farinata on individual plates, and evenly divide the kale and mushroom mixture on top. Evenly divide half of the roasted red kuri squash on top. If using, add on the grilled halloumi. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and salt.

Notes

The recipe only uses about 1/2 the roasted red kuri squash. Save the rest of the roasted squash to use in a different recipe, or to simply eat on its own.