Chickpea Smash on Toasted Sourdough with Apples & Walnuts

Looking for a delicious and nutritious lunch or snack that’s packed with gut-healthy ingredients, plant-based protein, and fresh flavors? This chickpea smash on toasted sourdough with apples and walnuts is the perfect choice. It’s a satisfying combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements that’ll leave you feeling nourished and energized. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in just a few steps!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons of raw sauerkraut (for gut health)
• 2 small pickles (finely chopped) + 1 tablespoon of pickle juice
• 1-2 tablespoons of mayo (for creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon of miso paste (adds umami)
• Fresh herbs (chopped parsley, thyme, oregano, dill – whatever you have on hand)
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder
• 2 slices of sourdough bread
• Olive oil (for toasting the sourdough)
• Handful of walnuts (roughly chopped)
• 1 apple (chopped)
• Micro greens (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chickpea Smash
   In a large bowl, add the drained chickpeas and use a fork or potato masher to smash them until you reach a chunky consistency. Stir in the chopped pickles, pickle juice, sauerkraut, mayo, and miso paste. Add the fresh herbs and seasonings (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder), and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
2. Toast the Sourdough
   Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle a little olive oil in the pan. Place the sourdough slices in the skillet and toast until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
3. Assemble the Toast
   Spread the chickpea smash generously over each slice of toasted sourdough. Top with a handful of chopped walnuts for crunch and a few thin slices of apple for a hint of sweetness. Add a sprinkle of micro greens for a fresh, peppery bite.
4. Finish with a Drizzle
   Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top for an extra touch of richness. If you like, you can add an extra pinch of smoked paprika or sea salt for a flavor boost.

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Smash on Sourdough:

• Gut-Healthy Ingredients: The raw sauerkraut provides beneficial probiotics, while the miso paste adds fermented goodness for digestive support.
• High in Fiber and Protein: Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this dish both filling and nutritious.
• Crunchy, Creamy, and Fresh: The combination of textures from the creamy chickpea smash, crunchy walnuts, and crisp apple slices creates a balanced and satisfying bite.
• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this tasty meal in under 15 minutes.

Additional Tips:

• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to switch up the herbs or add other spices like cumin or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Switch the Bread: While sourdough provides a deliciously tangy base, you can use any bread you prefer, such as rye or multigrain.
• Storage: The chickpea smash can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just toast the bread and add the fresh toppings when you’re ready to serve.

This chickpea smash on sourdough is a versatile dish that works as a light lunch, snack, or even a hearty appetizer. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures to satisfy your taste buds while also supporting your gut health. Give it a try, and let me know how you customize yours!