Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia

Scarpaccia is a kind of rustic Italian tart (from the Tuscany region), usually thin, extremely good and, by the way, vegan. For a long time I wanted to try this recipe and I knew the time had come when I picked about 4 zucchinis from the garden that needed to be used quickly and without too much work.

Usually, for scarpaccia you need zucchini flowers as well. I didn't have, so I made it without. We really liked the fact that it's thin and crispy, with a somewhat sweet taste, thanks to the zucchini and the ripe onion. Initially, I was thinking to make it a little thicker next time, but after I tasted it, I decided I still prefer it thin.

In terms of texture and taste, scarpaccia is very similar to zucchini pancakes, but a little crispier, much faster to prepare and without the eggs.

Ingredients

Zucchini
1 kg
or squash
Onions
1 piece
Salt
1 tsp
Ground black pepper
0.25 tsp
White flour
130 g
Yellow cornmeal
40 g
Extravirgin olive oil
50 ml
Rosemary
1 tbsp
I used dry, but you can also use fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Step by step

Step 1

Wash the courgettes and cut into very thin slices. I'd recommend here a mandoline slicer, to get thin and uniform slices quickly and easily.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 1
Step 2

Add the onions, thinly sliced.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 2
Step 3

Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and a little ground black pepper.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 3
Step 4

Mix everything well with your hands for 5 minutes, until you notice the squash softens and starts to release water.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 4
Step 5

Move the vegetables into a colander, which is, then, placed in a bowl.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 5
Step 6

Arrange a plate over the zucchinis and add 1-2 kg of weight on top. Here I used 2 jars of tomato sauce for pasta and pizza.

Let sit like this for 2 hours on the kitchen table.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 6
Step 7

After this time, the zucchini juice will have drained into the bowl.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 7
Step 8

Add to this juice 120g of white flour, 40g of cornmeal and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 8
Step 9

Beat well with a whisk. If the batter is thick and dense, pour over about half a glass of water.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 9
Step 10

At the end, it should resemble a more liquid cream.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 10
Step 11

Pour this batter over the vegetables and mix very well.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 11
Step 12

Line a large oven sheet with baking paper, sprinkle and brush with olive oil.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 12
Step 13

Pour the scarpaccia mixture in the pan and spread evenly.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 13
Step 14

Also, it must be pressed thoroughly. You can use a spoon or, more easily, you can lay another sheet of parchment over the mixture and press with your palms.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 14
Step 15

Remove the parchment. See how even it is now.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 15
Step 16

Drizzle a little olive oil over the top.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 16
Step 17

Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, for a more authentic taste.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 17
Step 18

Bake in the preheated oven at 220 degrees C for 35-40 minutes or until it's nicely browned.

If your oven has a fan setting, you can turn it on, so the tart will be more crispy and delicious.

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 18
Step 19

Let cool for at least 1 hour in the pan. Then, cut into squares and savour.

Enjoy!

Italian Zucchini Scarpaccia - Step 19
Quantity: 1 kg (1 large oven tray)
Prep time: 60 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 180 min
Publish date:
Rating: 5 (2 votes)

Receive new recipes on email

Comments

NLabbe867
N Labbe (NLabbe867) 11 Sep 2022, 14:39

Great flavor! At the end, I added halved cherry tomatoes, honey goat cheese and a sprinkling of fresh grated parm then put back in oven at 450° F for about 5 more minutes. (Also added garlic salt to the “dough” and sprinkled with basil instead of rosemary.)

My picture for recipe:
My rating for recipe:
lena
Elena (lena) N Labbe (NLabbe867) 12 Sep 2022, 00:46

I’m glad that you liked the recipe, very good improvements, good to know.😉 Thanks for the message and picture!

LouE
LouE 20 Jul 2024, 15:29

Hello, this dish looks wonderful. I have the ingredients to cook but only want to half it. What size pan did you use? Thanks in Advance. Lou

lena
Elena (lena) LouE 20 Jul 2024, 15:54

My oven tray is 37x47cm or 14.6x18.5 inches. 😉

LouE
LouE Elena (lena) 20 Jul 2024, 16:17

Thanks. Can't wait to cook it! Think my half sheet will work approximately 7.5 x 11.5 in. Looks like what I love so very much in Rome.

LouE
LouE 13 Aug 2024, 18:56

I halved the recipe and cooked it. It was absolutely wonderul. We even ate leftovers heated up the next day and it was almost as good! Can't wait to make it again. Thanks.

My rating for recipe: