Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast

This Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast is a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a satisfying snack, this recipe has got you covered. With a perfect combination of creamy avocado and spiced chickpeas, each bite is packed with plant-based goodness and tons of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The creamy, tangy avocado paired with the warmth and spice of the chickpeas makes for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days, and is loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein. Plus, it’s entirely vegan and customizable to suit your spice preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the spicy chickpeas:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1/2 tsp chili powder (or to taste)

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the smashed avocado:

• 1 avocado

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Pinch of salt

• Chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

• 2 large slices of toasted sourdough or bread of choice

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

2. Add the garlic and chickpeas to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

3. Mix in the chili powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the chickpeas.

4. While the chickpeas are cooking, mash the avocado in a small dish. Add the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of salt. If you want extra heat, you can also sprinkle in some chili flakes.

5. Spread the mashed avocado mixture generously over the toasted bread.

6. Top with the spiced chickpeas and garnish with fresh coriander if desired.

7. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the sourdough for gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

• Add a Protein Boost: For additional protein, you can top the toast with a poached or fried egg.

• Vegan Cheese: Sprinkle some vegan cheese on top for a creamy, savory touch.

• More Spice: If you love spicy food, you can add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Vegetable Toppings: Add some cucumber, tomatoes, or leafy greens to make the toast even more nutritious.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the chickpeas and avocado separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 1 day. The avocado mixture may turn brown over time, so it’s ideal to consume it soon after preparing.

• Reheating: If you have leftover chickpeas, you can reheat them in a pan for a couple of minutes over medium heat. Re-toast the bread before assembling to keep it crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! You can adjust the level of spice by adding more chili powder or including chili flakes in the avocado mash.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free bread, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

4. How can I add more protein to this dish?

To increase the protein content, you could add a poached or fried egg on top of the avocado toast or include a side of roasted tofu.

5. Can I make the chickpeas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chickpeas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just reheat them before serving.

6. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use any bread you like. Whole-grain, gluten-free, or even a bagel would work well with this recipe.

7. How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?

If you want to prevent the avocado from browning, you can add extra lemon juice and store it in an airtight container. It’s best eaten immediately.

8. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.

9. Can I add vegetables to the toast?

Yes, adding fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, or leafy greens would add crunch and freshness to the dish.

10. Can I use frozen chickpeas?

Frozen chickpeas can work, but they will need to be thawed and cooked before using them in this recipe. Canned chickpeas are quicker and more convenient.

Conclusion

Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast is a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. This simple yet satisfying dish is ideal for any time of day, whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a light meal, or a healthy breakfast. With its customizable spice levels and various topping options, it’s a versatile recipe that you’ll love making again and again. Enjoy the creamy avocado, warm spiced chickpeas, and crispy toast for a truly delicious and nourishing meal.