Chickpea Fritters (Panelle)

If your sea salt is very granular and pebblelike, crush it using the flat side of a large heavy knife or the bottom of a heavy skillet. To take the temperature of a shallow amount of oil, put bulb in skillet and turn thermometer facedown, resting other end against rim of skillet. Check temperature frequently. Chickpea mixture can be chilled in loaf pan up to 1 day. Panelle can be fried 4 hours ahead and kept, uncovered, at room temperature. Reheat on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven 10 to 15 minutes.

Chickpea flour is available at Italian markets, many specialty foods shops, and D. Coliccio & Sons (718-436-6700).