Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Salad Sandwich

Why does the idea of smashing a chickpea sound so appealing?

I think it’s for the same reason that hitting something hard at TaeKwonDo feels good. It’s all those little things in life that just make you angry that you will never mention to the person that is bugging you because you’re just too nice to say it or you don’t want to make waves. It’s often better left unsaid … so much better to walk away, not say anything, or let that person find their own truth, their own karma. But still there are these little bits of anger that build up inside of you and you need to let it out somehow.

For me, yoga helps, but it’s not enough. I need to really smash something, something that isn’t going to care if I hurt it. Ah, and even better if I get to eat it in the end!

Come here, little chickpeas! I will smash you into a sandwich … oh and you too, little avocado!

… but seriously, though, this is quite a delicious sandwich. And if you can relieve a few frustrations in the process, that’s even better.

Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Salad Sandwich

Adapted from Two Peas & Their Pod. Makes 2 – 3 sandwiches.

• 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
• 2 Tablespoons sundried tomato ranch dressing (recipe here – or use regular ranch and add a couple finely chopped sundried tomatoes to the mixture)
• 1 tablespoon sweet onion, chopped fine
• Cilantro (a few sprigs if you can gather it … mine is so pathetic all I can get is a few leaves … sigh. )
• 1/2 an avocado
• juice of a wedge of lime
• 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha
• lettuce leaves, onion, tomato, whatever you like to put on a sandwich

Directions:

1. In a  bowl, using a fork or potato masher, smash the chickpeas and avocado together. Let out your frustrations … really, it’s ok.
2. Add in the cilantro, onion, and squeeze the lime over top. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Toast your bread, spread both sides with the smashed chickpea/avocado mixture, then put your favorite sandwich toppings inside.
4. Enjoy every bite!

This recipe was shared at Totally Tasty Tuesdays, Hearth & Soul Bloghop, Foodie Fridays, Summer Salad Sundays, KM’s Chickpea Bloghop, Weekend Potluck and Manic Monday.