Epic Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich.

This was SO GOOD. I have been craving a sandwich to fill the void of an egg salad or tuna salad sandwich, so I decided to make this smashed chickpea salad version, and it turned out beautifully. I will share the recipe as I made it. But I wouldn't hesitate to mix it up. Capers or dill pickles would be nice chopped in, or how about curry powder with raisins and apple? Endless possibilities. 

I do love this sandwich exactly as I made it though. I really like it on my home made brown bread, the sweetness from the bread really works with all of the other components. Though your fav bread or wraps work too! The main chickpea mixture tastes bright and fresh with dill, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, minced red onion, celery & vegan mayo and a bit of smoked paprika. 

I added a few crisp slices of seitan bacon, I found a chunk in my freezer which made me feel like I had won something because I thought I had eaten it all. It is my go to vegan bacon recipe by Gaz Oakley. You could omit it or use a different vegan bacon, but it's worth the effort. It's TASTY on a sandwich. If you do check that recipe out, keep in mind: while it requires effort, you won't have any regrets. It makes a big batch, and you can cut it into chunks and freeze it for later. The trick to cooking it, is thin slices (you'll need a razor sharp knife) and cooking it on low-ish heat in a bit of veg oil so it has time to crisp up a bit without burning. I remember making my mum a toasted tomato sandwich with that bacon and a bit of vegan mayo and she was impressed. It is impressive!! OK I think I've sufficiently made my point about the vegan bacon. 

Onto the Sandwich recipe.

This will definitely be a new staple for me. So fresh, healthy & satisfying.
Much LOVE xoxox

Smashed Chickpea Salad

Yield: Enough filling for 4 Sandwiches

Ingredients:

•  1 can 540 ml chickpeas (strained, rinsed & mashed with fork or potato masher)
•  1/4 cup vegan mayo (Hellman's came out with a veganized version and is what I now use)
•  1/3 cup chopped celery
•  1/4 cup minced red onion
•  handful chopped fresh dill
•  1 tbsp. Dijon
•  1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar 
•  2 tsp smoked paprika
•  salt and pepper
•  pinch of sugar

Method:

1.  Once your chickpeas are mashed, simply combine with the remainder of ingredients.
2.  Toast bread if desired, spread with desired condiments. (I like mayo/yellow mustard)
3.  Layer onto the bread a few slices of vegan bacon, sliced tomato, arugula or other greens, & chickpea mixture, top with your 2nd piece of bread.
4.  Enjoy!!!