Save A smoky, tangy, and protein-packed vegan dish featuring tender BBQ chickpeas piled onto crisp, golden toast—perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
I first tried BBQ chickpeas on toast while searching for easy vegan lunches, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The smoky flavor and satisfying texture always brighten my midday meal.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas & Sauce: 2 x 400 g (14 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1 cup BBQ sauce (vegan, store-bought or homemade), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 small red onion, finely diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp black pepper, Salt, to taste
- Toast: 4 to 8 slices whole grain or sourdough bread, Vegan butter or olive oil for toasting
- Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, Thinly sliced red onion, Sliced avocado, Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Season chickpeas:
- Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
- Cook chickpeas:
- For skillet version: Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot.
- Bake chickpeas (optional):
- For baked version: Spread BBQ-coated chickpeas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until slightly caramelized.
- Toast bread:
- Meanwhile, toast bread slices in a toaster or on a skillet with a little vegan butter or olive oil until golden.
- Assemble:
- Pile BBQ chickpeas generously onto each toast. Top with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately.
Save This recipe brings everyone to the table, and I love watching my family build their own toasts with colorful toppings. It's a crowd-pleaser even among non-vegan friends.
Required Tools
Large skillet or frying pan, Baking sheet (if baking), Toaster or grill pan, Chefs knife, Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (in bread: use gluten-free bread if needed), Contains soy (in some BBQ sauces). Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 13 g
Save BBQ chickpeas on toast are a fantastic way to enjoy big flavors in a short time. Try different breads and toppings to make each serving unique.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do you achieve a smoky flavor in the chickpeas?
Smoked paprika combined with BBQ sauce imparts a rich smoky depth to the chickpeas, enhancing their natural nuttiness.
- → Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking on a skillet?
Yes, baking the BBQ-coated chickpeas at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes caramelizes them slightly, providing a different texture and intensifies flavors.
- → What types of bread work best for this dish?
Whole grain or sourdough bread toasted until golden offers a crunchy base that complements the tender chickpeas well.
- → Are there suggested garnishes to enhance the flavors?
Fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime add brightness and contrast to the smoky chickpeas.
- → How can I add extra heat to this dish?
Sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the chickpeas to introduce a spicy kick according to taste.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Using gluten-free bread instead of traditional toast allows this dish to fit gluten-free dietary needs without altering core flavors.