In our household, breakfast is a sacred ritual. Mornings can be hectic, but a good, nourishing breakfast sets the tone for the entire day. We’ve experimented with countless breakfast options – from elaborate weekend brunches to quick weekday grabs. But recently, a new champion has emerged, claiming the top spot on our breakfast rotation: Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast. Initially, I was skeptical. Avocado toast, while trendy, sometimes felt a little…basic. However, the addition of spicy, flavorful chickpeas transformed this simple dish into something truly extraordinary. The first time I made it, the aroma of toasted spices filled the kitchen, instantly awakening our senses. My family, usually sluggish in the mornings, practically leaped out of bed, drawn by the enticing scent. The combination of creamy avocado, crunchy toast, and the warm, spicy chickpeas was an instant hit. Even my pickiest eater, who typically avoids anything remotely “green,” devoured it with gusto. This Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast isn’t just a recipe; it’s a morning mood booster, a flavorful explosion, and a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly remarkable. It’s now our go-to breakfast for busy weekdays and relaxed weekends alike, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe that has brought so much joy and flavor to our mornings. Get ready to elevate your toast game!

Ingredients: Flavor-Packed Goodness

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

• Ripe Avocados: (2 large) The heart of avocado toast, providing creamy richness and healthy fats. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating they are perfectly ripe.
• Canned Chickpeas: (1 can, 15 ounces) The protein powerhouse and flavor base. Drained and rinsed, they become delightfully creamy when mashed and absorb the spices beautifully.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) Used for sautéing the chickpeas and adding a touch of richness. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits.
• Red Onion: (1/4 cup, finely diced) Adds a sharp, pungent bite that complements the creamy avocado and spices. Red onion provides a beautiful color contrast as well.
• Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) Essential for aromatic depth, garlic enhances the savory notes of the chickpeas and adds a pleasant warmth.
• Spices: (1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, salt, and black pepper to taste) This spice blend is the soul of the recipe, creating warmth, smokiness, and a pleasant kick. Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
• Lemon Juice: (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed) Brightens the flavors, prevents the avocado from browning, and adds a zesty counterpoint to the richness.
• Whole Wheat Bread or Sourdough: (4 slices) The sturdy base for your toast. Whole wheat offers fiber and a nutty flavor, while sourdough provides a tangy chewiness – choose your favorite or experiment with both!
• Optional Toppings: (Fresh cilantro, red pepper flakes, everything bagel seasoning, feta cheese crumbles – for vegetarian option) These are for customizing your toast and adding extra layers of flavor and texture.

Instructions: Simple Steps to Spicy Toast Perfection

Making Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast is incredibly straightforward and quick, perfect for busy mornings or a speedy lunch. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpea Mixture

Begin by draining and rinsing the canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water. Rinsing removes excess sodium and any starchy liquid, ensuring a cleaner flavor. Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel – this helps them crisp up slightly when sautéed and absorb the spices better.

In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), add the finely diced red onion. Sauté the red onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking. Softened onions not only add flavor but also a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.

Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can become bitter. The aroma of garlic at this stage is incredibly inviting and sets the stage for the flavorful chickpeas.

Now, add the drained and dried chickpeas to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the chickpeas are evenly coated with the spices.

Sauté the chickpeas and spices for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they cook, the chickpeas will slightly soften and warm through, and the spices will bloom, releasing their aromatic oils and infusing the chickpeas with incredible flavor. You might notice some chickpeas starting to slightly brown or even burst – this is perfectly fine and adds to the texture.

Once the chickpeas are heated through and fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat. Using a fork or a potato masher, roughly mash about half of the chickpeas directly in the skillet. Mashing some of the chickpeas creates a creamy, spreadable texture that contrasts beautifully with the remaining whole chickpeas. Don’t over-mash; you want to retain some texture.

Stir in the fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens the flavors, adds a touch of acidity, and balances the richness of the spices and olive oil. Taste the chickpea mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or chili flakes depending on your preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocado

While the chickpeas are cooking, prepare the avocado. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh into a small bowl.

Using a fork, roughly mash the avocado. You can mash it to your desired consistency – some people prefer it completely smooth, while others like it chunkier. A slightly chunky texture adds visual appeal and a more interesting mouthfeel.

Season the mashed avocado with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the avocado at this stage to prevent browning and enhance the flavor, although the lemon juice in the chickpea mixture will also help.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

Toast your bread slices to your desired level of crispness. You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or even a skillet. For extra flavor, you can lightly brush the bread with olive oil before toasting. Toasting the bread provides a sturdy base for the toppings and adds a pleasant crunch.

Step 4: Assemble Your Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast

Now for the fun part – assembling your delicious toast!

Spread the mashed avocado evenly onto each slice of toasted bread. Don’t be shy with the avocado – it’s the creamy foundation of the toast.

Spoon the warm, spicy chickpea mixture generously over the avocado. Distribute it evenly so you get chickpeas in every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

This is where you can get creative and add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal. Consider these optional garnishes:

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the toast for a burst of freshness and herbaceous notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you like extra heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds a savory, crunchy, and flavorful topping.
• Feta Cheese Crumbles (Vegetarian Option): For a salty, tangy, and creamy addition, crumble a small amount of feta cheese over the toast.
• A Drizzle of Hot Sauce: For an extra kick, add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.

Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast!

Nutrition Facts: Wholesome and Nourishing

This Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and wholesome choice for breakfast, lunch, or a light meal. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (1 slice of toast), keeping in mind that exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

• Serving Size: 1 slice of toast
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving
• Protein: 10-12 grams
• Iron: Provides a good source of iron from chickpeas and whole wheat bread.

This toast is a great source of:

• Monounsaturated Fats: From avocado and olive oil, these are heart-healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Dietary Fiber: From chickpeas, whole wheat bread, and avocado, fiber aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Plant-Based Protein: Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Avocados are rich in vitamins K, C, E, and potassium. Chickpeas provide iron, folate, and manganese. Spices like turmeric and paprika offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting feta cheese if used as a topping. It is also a good option for those looking to increase their intake of plant-based protein and healthy fats.

Preparation Time: Quick and Effortless

The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed and simplicity. From start to finish, Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast is ready in a flash, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you need a quick and nutritious meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (dicing onion, mincing garlic, mashing avocado, rinsing chickpeas)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (sautéing chickpeas and spices)
• Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes

This quick preparation time means you can easily whip up this flavorful toast even on the busiest of weekdays. It’s a fantastic option when you want a healthy, satisfying, and delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The majority of the time is spent sautéing the chickpeas, which is mostly hands-off, allowing you to multitask or simply relax while the aromas fill your kitchen.

How to Serve: Versatile and Delicious at Any Time

Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it perfect for various meals and occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Breakfast/Brunch:
  • Serve as a complete and satisfying breakfast to kickstart your day.
  • Pair with a side of fresh fruit like berries or melon for a balanced and refreshing brunch.
  • Serve alongside scrambled eggs or tofu scramble for a more substantial brunch spread.
  • Offer a variety of toppings on the side, like different hot sauces, seeds, or herbs, to let everyone customize their toast.
• Lunch:
  • Enjoy as a quick and nutritious lunch, perfect for a midday energy boost.
  • Serve with a light side salad, such as a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, for a complete and balanced lunch.
  • Pack it for a healthy and portable lunch – assemble the toast just before eating to prevent the bread from getting soggy. You can pack the chickpea mixture and avocado separately and assemble at lunchtime.
• Snack:
  • Cut the toast into smaller pieces or triangles for a flavorful and healthy snack.
  • Enjoy as an afternoon snack to tide you over until dinner.
• Appetizer/Starter:
  • Cut the toast into bite-sized pieces and serve as a flavorful and visually appealing appetizer for gatherings.
  • Arrange the mini toasts on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.
• Dinner (Light Meal):
  • Enjoy as a light and satisfying dinner, especially on warmer evenings.
  • Pair with a cup of soup, such as tomato soup or lentil soup, for a comforting and complete light dinner.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast is sure to be a hit. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Additional Tips: Elevate Your Toast Game

Want to take your Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast to the next level? Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance the flavor, texture, and overall experience:

1. Spice Level Customization: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the spiciness. For a milder version, reduce or omit chili flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chickpea mixture. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra spice.
2. Bread Choice Matters: Experiment with different types of bread. Sourdough, whole wheat, multigrain, rye, or even gluten-free bread all work well. Consider toasting different breads to find your favorite texture and flavor pairing. For a richer taste, try brioche or challah bread.
3. Perfect Avocado Ripeness: Use perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. Unripe avocados will be hard and lack flavor, while overripe avocados can be stringy and brown. If your avocados are not quite ripe, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up the ripening process.
4. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the chickpea mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving. However, it’s best to mash the avocado and toast the bread just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
5. Add Veggies to the Chickpeas: For extra nutrition and flavor, sauté other vegetables with the chickpeas. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would be delicious additions. Sauté them along with the red onion before adding the garlic and spices.
6. Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Instead of cilantro, try fresh parsley, dill, or mint. Each herb will bring a unique flavor profile to the toast. You can also use a combination of herbs for a more complex flavor.
7. Nutritional Boost: Sprinkle chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds over the toast for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. These seeds also add a pleasant nutty flavor and subtle crunch.
8. Cheese Variations (Vegetarian): If you enjoy cheese, try different types of cheese crumbles or shavings as toppings. Besides feta, consider goat cheese, crumbled cotija cheese, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory and salty finish.

By incorporating these tips, you can customize your Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast to your liking and discover new flavor combinations to keep this recipe exciting and delicious.

FAQ: Your Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast to help you make the perfect toast every time:

Q1: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan if you omit any cheese toppings. Ensure you are using plant-based bread as well, though most breads are vegan-friendly.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, easily. Simply use gluten-free bread. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Q3: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can. You will need to soak and cook the dried chickpeas before using them in the recipe. Soak about 1/2 cup of dried chickpeas overnight, then cook them until tender. This will take longer than using canned chickpeas, so plan accordingly. Canned chickpeas are a convenient and quick option.

Q4: How can I make the chickpea mixture less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit the chili flakes entirely. You can also add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream (for a non-vegan option) to the chickpea mixture to cool down the spice. Alternatively, use a milder chili powder instead of chili flakes.

Q5: Can I use a different type of onion?
A: Yes, you can substitute yellow or white onion for red onion. Red onion offers a slightly sharper flavor, but yellow or white onions will also work well. You can also use shallots for a milder and more delicate onion flavor.

Q6: How long will leftover spicy chickpea mixture last?
A: The spicy chickpea mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat before serving.

Q7: What are some other toppings I can add?
A: The possibilities are endless! Consider adding: sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, pickled onions, sprouts, microgreens, a fried egg (for a non-vegan option), or a drizzle of tahini or sriracha mayo.

Q8: Can I freeze the spicy chickpea mixture?
A: Freezing is not recommended for the best texture as the chickpeas may become slightly mushy upon thawing. However, if you need to freeze it, ensure it’s cooled completely first and store in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet. The texture may be slightly altered.

We hope these FAQs help you in your Spicy Chickpea Avocado Toast journey! Enjoy this flavorful and easy recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Print