This Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Toast combines creamy avocado with spicy, crispy chickpeas, all piled on top of toasted bread. It’s a nutritious, filling dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 slices of whole-grain bread (or your preferred type)

• 1 ripe avocado

• ½ cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

• 1 tsp olive oil

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• ¼ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Crumbled feta or goat cheese

• Sliced radishes

• Fresh cilantro or parsley

• Toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Spicy Chickpeas:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until the chickpeas are slightly crispy and well-coated in spices.

2. Mash the Avocado:
   In a small bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy but slightly chunky.

3. Assemble the Toast:
   Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp. Spread the mashed avocado evenly over each slice and top with the spicy chickpeas.

4. Add Toppings:
   Garnish with optional toppings like crumbled cheese, radishes, or fresh herbs.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 330

• Protein: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Fat: 16g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugar: 4g

Why Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Toast Works So Well

This dish works so well because of the combination of flavors and textures. The rich creaminess of the avocado contrasts with the crispy, spicy chickpeas, providing both comfort and crunch in every bite. The spices—smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes—infuse the chickpeas with a warm, smoky heat that complements the smooth avocado, creating a deliciously satisfying dish. The toasted bread adds the perfect base, giving the meal substance and an additional crunch that ties everything together.

Additionally, avocado is full of healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it both nourishing and satisfying. The chickpeas add plant-based protein and fiber, making this toast a well-rounded, hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast or a light yet filling snack, Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Toast is the perfect option.

Key Ingredients for Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Toast

• Whole-Grain Bread: Whole-grain bread adds a hearty, nutty base to the toast. It’s a good source of fiber and nutrients. You can also use your preferred type of bread, such as sourdough or multigrain, for a different flavor and texture.

• Avocado: Avocado is the creamy element in this dish, providing healthy fats and fiber. Its mild flavor balances the spice from the chickpeas and offers a rich texture that complements the toast.

• Canned Chickpeas: Chickpeas are the star of the spicy topping. When pan-fried with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes, they become crispy and flavorful, adding a satisfying crunch to the toast.

• Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil is used to crisp up the chickpeas in the pan. It adds healthy fats and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes bring depth, warmth, and spice to the chickpeas, turning them from a simple ingredient into a flavorful topping.

• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is used to brighten up the mashed avocado, giving it a fresh and zesty flavor that balances the richness of the avocado and the spices from the chickpeas.

How to Make Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Toast

This recipe is quick and easy, with minimal preparation required. Here’s how to make this flavorful and nutritious dish:

1. Prepare the Spicy Chickpeas:

   • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas.

   • Sprinkle the chickpeas with smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until the chickpeas are slightly crispy and well-coated in the spices. Remove the chickpeas from the pan and set them aside.

2. Mash the Avocado:

   • While the chickpeas are cooking, mash the avocado in a small bowl. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and mash until the avocado is creamy but still slightly chunky. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the Toast:

   • Toast the slices of whole-grain bread in a toaster or on a skillet until golden and crisp. Spread the mashed avocado evenly over each slice of toasted bread.

4. Top with Spicy Chickpeas:

   • Once the bread is toasted and the avocado is spread, top each slice with the crispy, spiced chickpeas.

5. Add Toppings (Optional):

   • Garnish with optional toppings like crumbled feta or goat cheese, sliced radishes, fresh cilantro or parsley, or toasted sesame seeds. These add extra flavor and texture to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Toast is delicious on its own, but it can be paired with other dishes to make a more complete meal. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a smoothie for a balanced meal that covers all the nutritional bases. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or snack, paired with a side of crunchy veggies or a simple salad for added freshness.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, pair it with a boiled egg or a dollop of hummus on the side for an extra boost of protein. The versatility of this dish makes it easy to customize based on your preferences and dietary needs.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Toast contains approximately 330 calories, 9g of protein, 42g of carbohydrates, and 16g of fat. The healthy fats in the avocado and olive oil contribute to the richness of the dish. The carbohydrates are primarily from the bread and chickpeas, while the dish also provides 9g of fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The sodium content is 646mg, which comes from the soy sauce and salt used in cooking the chickpeas, so you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Conclusion: A Quick, Nutritious, and Flavorful Meal

Spicy Chickpea and Avocado Toast is a flavorful, quick, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack. The combination of creamy avocado, crispy chickpeas, and savory spices creates a satisfying and well-rounded meal that is both healthy and delicious. With its rich textures and bold flavors, this toast is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings to make it your own!