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Home ยป Vegan Squash and Chickpea Flatbread with Pesto {Gluten-Free}

Vegan Squash and Chickpea Flatbread with Pesto {Gluten-Free}

Last Updated on February 26, 2019 By Vicky 26 Comments

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chickpea flatbread

Chickpea Flatbread with Squash requires only 2 main ingredients and makes for a high protein delicious flatbread that can be topped with just about anything! Think simplified vegan pizza. Gluten-Free too. Perfect healthy dinner.

Chickpea Flatbread Ready to Eat

Chickpea flatbread originally was my farinata recipe.

The first time I tried farinata (a classic Italian chickpea crepe/pizza/flatbread) was when I was traveling through the region of Liguria in Italy with D and my parents. I loved it. It’s a super thin chickpea flatbread, frequently seasoned with fresh rosemary that is magically simple but ever so flavorful.

Naturally it become a frequent recipe that I made at home. It doesn’t even need that much livening up. Sure you can spread a thick layer of home made vegan basil pesto on top, but you don’t even have to.

So when D and I were renting an apartment in Buenos Aires and the local grocery store had bins full of all sorts of spices and chickpea flour I knew I was going to be making my all time favorite vegan chickpea flatbread. But I wanted to do more with it this time. Add a bit of a twist.

Butternut squash seemed like a perfect candidate. Using a box grater and the finest setting I shredded the butternut squash until it was just paper thin little wisps of squash and added that to the mix, along with some spices – paprika and herbs de provence.

I’ve gotten so used to cooking without spices in my travels, because I can’t exactly fit dozen of glass spice jars into my backpack, but when I see stores sell spices by weight and I can just get a few tablespoons, I go a bit overboard. I just can’t help myself. It’s like a kid in a candy store, except just me with spice bins.

It doesn’t help that herbs of provence is hands down my new favorite spice mix. So much flavor and such a great combination of spices.

chickpea flatbread ingredients

In this recipe the chickpea flour gets mixed with water and olive oil and then that just sits and absorbs, for hours, or even better overnight. Then when you are ready for cooking add in the butternut squash and the spices. Bake at 425 degrees F in a preferably large cast iron pan that you have greased with additional olive oil.

Making chickpea flatbread batter

And don’t do what I did – which is line the cast iron pan with aluminum foil, no greasing and pour the mixture in, to then have to unpeel the tin foil from half of my vegan squash and chickpea flatbread when cooked.

Chickpea Flatbread sliced in a cast iron pan

This was a nightmare. Remember when you were in middle school and it was popular to separate the aluminum from the gum wrappers and stick it everywhere? Or was that just me? I mean I have entire notebook covers covered in the aluminum that I unstuck from those Wrigley gum wrappers.

Well this was just like that. Except no fun at all. Unpeeling aluminum foil from your flatbread that you’re just dying to eat is miserable. I wouldn’t wish that experience on anybody.

So definitely don’t do what I did. Skip the aluminum foil and place directly on the cast iron pan! I only needed to make that mistake once to learn my lesson. Now the batter goes straight into the cast iron pan.

Once baked cut into eight slices and enjoy! I love the taste of this chickpea flatbread just plain, but it’s even better with a dollop of freshly made basil pesto and a sprinkling of vegan Parmesan. Completely up to you how to serve this and it’s delicious both hot and cold. Keeps well for a few days in the fridge too, though this never lasts that long in my house because I’m always tempted to just grab another slice.

Next time I make this I’m going to experiment with using this as a pizza base with some toppings and vegan cheese on top. Stay tuned to hear how that turns out! Something tell me it’s going to be delicious too.

Chickpea Flatbread plated

For serving if you want a bit more toppings for this chickpea flatbread you’ll want to have a batch made of my vegan basil pesto to serve with this. Along with avocado this makes for a perfect topping for a full dinner meal.

Or you could spread some vegan sundried tomato pesto on top, or find a great gluten free dip recipe for dipping.

The topping and serving options are endless.

Why this chickpea flatbread is so good:

  • you only need a couple of main ingredients
  • this is the ultimate comfort food
  • this can be used as a base for other spreads/toppings or served plain as is
  • minimal prep and low fuss
  • it’s vegan, gluten-free, high protein and packed with a hidden veggie

Variations:

  • for a regular chickpea flatbread omit the shredded squash
  • instead of butternut squash use pumpkin, sweet potatoes, other types of squash etc
  • instead of baking try broiling this chickpea flatbread

Tips

  • Best to use a cast iron pan for the chickpea flatbread
  • Make sure both the oven and the cast iron pan are properly preheated before pouring the batter
  • Let the batter rest for a few hours or even overnight for maximum flavor

How to make my chickpea flatbread with squash:

Slice of Chickpea Flatbread in my hand

Let me know what you think of my recipe in the comments (and how you choose to serve this) below or tag me (@avocadopesto) on social media!

Happy cooking!

4.67 from 3 votes
Chickpea Flatbread
Print
Chickpea Flatbread with Squash {GF, Vegan}
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 
Chickpea Flatbread with Squash requires only 2 main ingredients and makes for a high protein delicious flatbread that can be topped with just about anything! Think simplified vegan pizza. Gluten-Free too. Perfect healthy dinner.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Healthy, Italian, Vegan
Keyword: flatbread, gluten free flatbread, vegan pizza
Servings: 4
Calories: 352 kcal
Author: Vicky
Ingredients
  • 1 cup chickpea flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 1 teaspoon herbs de provence optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional
  • 1 cup finely shredded butternut squash
  • 2 tbsp Vegan Parmesan optional
Instructions
  1. In a bowl combine chickpea flour, water and olive oil. Whisk until smooth. Cover and let sit 4 hours - overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Preheat cast iron pan in the oven. 

  3. To the bowl add paprika, herbs de provence, salt, parsley, and shredded butternut squash. Mix.
  4. Once preheated and hot lightly oil cast iron pan and pour the mixture into the pan.

  5. Bake for 30-45 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and lightly browned.
  6. Cut into 8 slices.
  7. Serve flatbread topped plain or topped with pesto or spread of choice, and sprinkled with vegan parmesan. 

Nutrition Facts
Chickpea Flatbread with Squash {GF, Vegan}
Amount Per Serving
Calories 352 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g35%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Sodium 612mg27%
Potassium 767mg22%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 5310IU106%
Vitamin C 55.9mg68%
Calcium 39mg4%
Iron 2.4mg13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Comments

  1. Adam Zavell says

    July 4, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    These look delicious, I’m gonna have to try this! I’ve been trying to avoid wheat flour as I hear it’s bad for your health.

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      July 19, 2016 at 3:40 am

      Thanks! If you’re avoiding wheat flour this is the perfect recipe for you!

      Reply
  2. Mike says

    August 5, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    Looks great. I’m going to try it with coconut oil and see how it turns out.

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      August 9, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      Let me know how it turns out with the coconut oil (I’ve only tried making this with olive oil)

      Reply
  3. Cleo says

    August 23, 2016 at 1:21 am

    Hello ๐Ÿ™‚
    I don’t have a cast iron skillet, will it turn out ok cooked in a baking tray on a pizza stone? Thx

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      September 6, 2016 at 8:12 pm

      Yes, it will work on either of those as well.

      Reply
  4. chance says

    August 30, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    can you use a regular baking sheet or a pizza stone if you don’t have cast iron skillet
    thanks

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      September 6, 2016 at 8:17 pm

      Yes it should still work with either of those.

      Reply
  5. Sharon says

    September 4, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    This sounds wonderful! I can’t get hot smoked paprika where I live. What would you substitute for the paprika? I’m excited about making this!

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      September 6, 2016 at 8:18 pm

      You could use regular paprika instead or just omit it entirely. Hope you enjoy this recipe : ))

      Reply
  6. Jane says

    September 22, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    Could this be made ahead and served as a plain flatbread with chili the next day? I am invited to the home of a gluten-free person and would like to use this in place of cornbread. Thanks for advice!

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      September 27, 2016 at 12:56 pm

      Definitely! Hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply
  7. Monty says

    November 15, 2016 at 12:48 am

    Does the squash need to be cooked shredded or raw

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      November 22, 2016 at 10:46 am

      The squash is shredded raw and added raw

      Reply
  8. Nancy says

    January 20, 2017 at 9:08 am

    The butternut squash was just a twist, right? Does it need something else or can you omit that entirely?

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      February 15, 2017 at 6:42 am

      You can omit it if you like.

      Reply
  9. Adrienne says

    July 13, 2017 at 8:38 am

    Do you just let the mixture sit out at room temperature for the 4hours to overnight? I went to put it in the fridge, and then realized the instructions did not say to do that! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      July 14, 2017 at 3:52 am

      I leave it out on the counter – but if you think it is too hot in the kitchen I would put it in the fridge.

      Reply
  10. Merula says

    August 18, 2017 at 11:59 am

    Hi Vicky this looks tasty, I’m gonna give it a try soon! I love your blog and recipes.ย 
    I have just started my own foodblog and I was wondering if you want to share where you got your recipe template from? I’m also looking for a good app or site for making photo collages. If you could help me out, that would be awesome! I will let you know how my flatbread turns out.ย 

    I hope to hear from you! Merula, http://www.thatfoodielife.com

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      August 22, 2017 at 11:47 am

      Thanks so much! My recipe template is from Meal Planner Pro which you can find right here: https://mealplannerpro.com/ For photo collages I use PicMonkey! Hope that helps!

      Reply
      • Merula says

        August 30, 2017 at 7:44 am

        Thank you!

        I made the flatbreads, great recipe. I’ll definitly try a few more of your recipe.

        Reply
  11. Rachel says

    March 1, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! I canโ€™t wait to try it out!

    Reply
  12. Joanna says

    January 11, 2019 at 11:03 pm

    Is there something I can sub for the oil. I am trying to avoid oils.

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      January 30, 2019 at 5:29 am

      You could try making this with yogurt instead of oil, but I am not sure how the consistency will be, but I think it’s worth a try!

      Reply
  13. Kelly says

    February 8, 2021 at 2:46 pm

    Can this be made with roasted butternut squash?

    Reply
    • Vicky says

      April 14, 2021 at 11:55 am

      Yes feel free to try that!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Vicky!

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About Avocado Pesto

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