Pesto Chickpea Toast

Hey there! 🌟 If you’re looking for a quick and tasty bite, you’ve got to try my Pesto Chickpea Toast! It’s one of those recipes that’s super easy to throw together but still feels a little fancy. With crispy chickpeas, zesty pesto, and a sprinkle of fresh basil, this toast has got it all—flavor, crunch, and a healthy kick. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, so you can whip it up whenever the craving hits!

Try my Turkish Chickpea Salad recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

→ Quick & Easy: You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in just 20 minutes—perfect for those busy days.

→ Flavor Explosion: The combo of zesty pesto, smoky paprika, and crunchy chickpeas is a game-changer for your taste buds.

→ Healthy & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this toast is not just tasty but also keeps you full and energized.

→ Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list—just a few simple ingredients you probably already have.

→ Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick snack. It’s great any time of day!

Try my Vegan Chickpea Coronation recipe.

What you'll need to make Pesto Chickpea Toast

→ Chickpeas: These little legumes are a powerhouse of protein and fiber. They add a satisfying crunch to the toast and keep you feeling full and energized.

→ Paprika: A dash of paprika gives the chickpeas a smoky, slightly spicy kick. It’s the secret ingredient that takes the flavor up a notch.

→ Wholemeal Bread: Toasted to perfection, wholemeal bread adds a hearty base to this recipe. It’s packed with nutrients and has that wholesome, nutty flavor.

→ Pesto: This zesty, vibrant spread is what brings everything together. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

→ Basil: Freshly chopped basil adds a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness that pairs perfectly with the pesto.

→ Hemp Seeds: These tiny seeds are a great source of healthy fats and add a nice crunch to the toast. Plus, they make everything look fancy with minimal effort!

→ Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the chickpeas roast to crispy perfection while adding a rich, savory flavor.

Try my Chickpea, Sweet Potato and Spinach Curry recipe.

Ingredients (Serves: 2)
- 3.5 oz. (100g) canned Chickpeas, drained
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 2 slices wholemeal bread, toasted
- 3 tbsp. pesto
- 1 tbsp. hemp seeds, to garnish
- 1 tbsp. hemp seeds, to garnish
- 1 tbsp. olive oil

What you'll need to do

Time required: 20 mins

1| Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking tray with some parchment paper—easy cleanup, right?

2| Spread the drained chickpeas on the tray, sprinkle on that paprika, and don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good drizzle of olive oil, then toss everything together like you’re mixing up some fun. Pop them in the oven and roast for 15 minutes.

3| While those chickpeas are getting all crispy, toast up your bread. Once it’s golden, spread a nice layer of pesto on each slice. Pile on those roasted chickpeas, and finish off with a sprinkle of basil and hemp seeds. Voilà! You’ve got yourself some seriously tasty Pesto Chickpea Toast.

Glycemic Index: low (50) Glycemic Load: moderate (10)

Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe

Chickpeas: If you’re out of chickpeas, roasted white beans or even lentils can work as a substitute. They’ll still give you that protein-packed crunch.

Pesto: No pesto? No problem! You can use hummus, avocado spread, or even a simple olive oil and garlic drizzle as a tasty alternative.

Wholemeal Bread: Swap the wholemeal bread for sourdough, rye, or your favorite gluten-free bread. You could also use rice cakes or sweet potato slices for a low-carb option.

Paprika: If you’re not a fan of paprika, try using cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a different flavor twist.

Basil: No fresh basil? Use any fresh herb you have on hand—parsley, cilantro, or even arugula would work well.

Hemp Seeds: If you don’t have hemp seeds, try using sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.

Olive Oil: Feel free to swap olive oil with avocado oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

Try my Lamb and Chickpea Stuffed Peppers recipe.

Some useful tips for the recipe

Dry the Chickpeas: Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel before roasting. This helps them get extra crispy in the oven.

Watch the Toasting Time: Toast your bread to your liking, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning. A golden brown is usually perfect!

Pesto Options: If you don’t have pesto, try using hummus or avocado spread for a different but still delicious base.

Roast Chickpeas in Batches: If you’re making a larger batch, roast the chickpeas in batches to ensure they’re evenly crispy.

Enhance Flavor: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of lemon juice for extra zing and flavor.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy your toast fresh out of the oven for the best texture and taste. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the components separate until just before serving.

Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, or a sprinkle of cheese to suit your taste.

Try my Chickpea and Tuna Salad recipe.

Some serving suggestions

Salad Side: Pair your toast with a fresh side salad. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly.

Soup Combo: Serve the toast alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a light vegetable soup for a comforting meal.

Brunch Plate: Add the toast to a brunch spread with some fruit, a yogurt parfait, and a smoothie for a well-rounded meal.

Mediterranean Twist: Top the toast with some sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Avocado Addition: Spread some mashed avocado on the toast before adding the pesto and chickpeas for an extra creamy texture.

Egg Topping: Add a poached or fried egg on top of the toast for a heartier meal. The runny yolk adds a delicious richness.

Picnic Ready: Pack the toast as part of a picnic basket with other easy-to-eat items like fruit, nuts, and cheese.

Snack Platter: Include the toast on a snack platter with a variety of dips, veggies, and crackers for a fun and interactive meal.

Try my Spanish Chickpea Stew recipe.

Some storage suggestions

Separate Components: To keep everything fresh, store the toasted bread, pesto, and roasted chickpeas separately. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.

Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store the chickpeas and pesto. For the chickpeas, a small container or jar will do, while the pesto can be kept in a small jar or a container with a tight lid.

Refrigeration: Keep the roasted chickpeas and pesto in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Freeze Chickpeas: If you have leftover roasted chickpeas, you can freeze them in a sealed bag or container. They can be reheated in the oven to regain their crunch.

Toast Fresh: For the best texture, toast the bread just before serving. If you need to prepare in advance, toast the bread separately and store it in a paper bag to maintain some crispness.

Pesto Storage: If you have leftover pesto, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Just thaw and use as needed.

Pre-assemble Carefully: If you must assemble ahead of time, do so right before serving to avoid soggy bread.

Try my other breakfast recipes.

And there you have it—my Pesto Chickpea Toast, a simple yet flavorful treat that’s perfect any time of day. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a snack, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite toppings and make it your own. Happy cooking! 🥂

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