Maria's Chickpea and Avocado Mash Master Recipe with Variations

Published:  02/02/2018

This Chickpea and Avocado Mash is a healthy, easy breakfast, lunch or snack option.

There are many ways to serve it. I like to spread it on warm whole grain toast, topped with a slice of tomato and a poached or fried egg. But you can also eat it with crackers or pita crisps, as a vegetable dip, on top of flatbreads, in pitas or wrap, as a sandwich filling or as a warm crostini appetizer. (See the recipe below). This can also be served as a salad on top of a bed of greens. If you want beautiful, perfect poached eggs use an egg poacher skillet. 

Chickpea and Avocado Mash Master Recipe

This base master recipe also allows you to play around with other flavors, add-ins and ways to use as you like. I've given you lots of tasty options here. This recipe can be made 2 days ahead of time and stored in a covered glass bowl in the refrigerator.

• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed and drained and laid on a paper towel to dry some of the moisture
• 1 large ripe avocado
• Juice from 1 lime or lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Whole grain bread or toast, wrap or flatbread, whole grain crackers or pita chips
• Optional Additions: pinch cayenne, Sirracha, chili flakes, dried cranberries, diced red or green onions, diced red pepper, diced dill pickles, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley ½ teaspoon garlic or onion powder, ¼ cup feta cheese
• Optional Toppings: fried egg, spinach, lettuce, arugula, sprouts, radish, grated carrots, sliced radishes, tomato slices or cherry tomato slices, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion

In a medium bowl, use a pastry blender, fork, or potato masher to mash the chickpeas and avocado together. (Mash as little or as much as you prefer. I like mine a bit lumpy). Add in the lime or lemon juice and season with salt and pepper and add in any optional additions and mix again to incorporate.

Serve in a wrap, on bread, on toast, or as a dip with vegetables or crackers. Top with optional toppings.

Chickpea and Avocado Mash Crostini Appetizer

Put 4 slices of crusty artisan bread in the toaster, or on the middle rack of an oven set at 350 degrees F, until crisp and golden brown.
Spread the chickpea avocado mash on the toasted bread and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and sea salt.