Okay, confession time! Sometimes, even us food bloggers need a break from elaborate dishes. You might think it's all about fancy bao buns and homemade ravioli over here, but the reality is often much simpler – and just as delicious. This zesty avocado toast with spiced chickpeas is a perfect example of a quick, easy, and healthy meal that's become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I'm not juggling food styling and photoshoots.
What's so great about this dish? Well, for starters, it's incredibly satisfying. Ripe avocados bring the creamy richness, while protein-packed chickpeas add substance. The spiced chickpeas are pan-roasted to perfection, creating a flavor explosion with cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of chili powder. They’re also super versatile, so you can adjust the spices to your preference.
I love to add a handful of my home-grown spicy radish sprouts for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition, but if you don't have them on hand, baby rocket, fresh coriander, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes would work great. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice really brings all the flavours together and adds a refreshing zing.
This isn’t just food; it’s a canvas for your creativity. So, whether you’re in a rush or just looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You might just find a new favorite!
Spiced Chickpea Avocado Toast Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Avocado Toast:
- 4-6 slices of your favorite bread (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 ripe avocado
- Chili paste or hot sauce (like Sriracha or sambal oelek)
- A handful of radish sprouts or baby rocket/arugula (optional)
- 1/2 lime or lemon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spiced Chickpeas:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (about 1 cup dry)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp hot chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Method:
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain your cooked chickpeas well. If you cooked them yourself, let them cool down completely. Don't discard that liquid (aquafaba) though you can make amazing vegan desserts with it!
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a few pinches of salt.
- Roast the Chickpeas: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the chickpeas and stir occasionally to prevent burning. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chickpeas and stir well until everything is evenly coated. Cook until the spices are fragrant, turning off the heat once done. Be careful as ground spices can burn easily! Taste and add salt if needed.
- Toast the Bread: Toast your favorite bread to your liking. I prefer using a lightly oiled griddle pan.
- Assemble the Toast: Slice the avocado and spread it evenly on the toasted bread. Squeeze a bit of lime or lemon juice to prevent discoloration (optional). Top with the spiced chickpeas and radish sprouts/arugula. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a few dots of chili sauce.
Enjoy your simple, zesty, and healthy start to the day!
Tips and Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different bread types.
- Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Include some sun-dried tomatoes or chopped red onion for extra flavor and texture.
- Try swapping the spices or adding others, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or coriander.
Share your creations with me on Instagram using the hashtag #HealthyAvocadoToast and tagging @AvaGreens! I’m always excited to see your takes on my recipes!