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 made this recipe for my friends during a busy work week when I needed something filling and fast. The barbecue-sauced chickpeas on savory toast turned out so flavorful and crowd-pleasing, we now keep it in regular rotation at home.
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: 4–8 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
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking chickpeas.
- Sauté Veggies:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Flavor Chickpeas:
- Add chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, then stir in BBQ sauce.
- Cook Option 1:
- For skillet version: Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are hot.
- Cook Option 2:
- 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 vegan butter or olive oil until golden.
- Assemble & Garnish:
- Pile BBQ chickpeas onto each toast. Top with optional garnishes such as fresh herbs, red onion, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately.
Save My family loves customizing their toast with different toppings, and it has become a fun hands-on dinner option for everyone. Watching each person add their favorite garnishes makes meal time interactive and delicious.
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), soy (if in BBQ sauce). Always check BBQ sauce and bread labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 13 g
Save This BBQ chickpeas on toast is versatile enough for lunch or dinner and sure to satisfy with its bold flavors and simple prep. Enjoy every bite with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I achieve the perfect smoky flavor?
Use smoked paprika and a quality BBQ sauce for a deep smoky taste. Simmering the chickpeas allows the flavors to meld well.
- → Can I bake the chickpeas instead of cooking on the stovetop?
Yes, spread sauced chickpeas on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15 minutes, stirring halfway for slight caramelization.
- → What types of bread work best for this dish?
Whole grain or sourdough breads are ideal as they toast well and provide a sturdy base for the chickpeas.
- → Are there recommended garnishes to enhance flavor?
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime brighten and complement the smoky chickpeas.
- → How can I add extra heat to the dish?
Incorporate chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the chickpeas during cooking for a spicy kick.