Smashed Chickpea & Green Harissa Toasts Recipe: A Bold, Healthy Twist on Beans on Toast
Published on May 12th, 2025
Intermediate
Are you trying to find a fun new way to eat your favourite toast toppings? A strong, flavourful substitute for the traditional beans on toast is this dish for smashed chickpea and green harissa toasts. Packed with colour, texture, and spice, it's ideal for a light dinner, brunch, or lunch. This dish is simple and really fulfilling, whether you're looking for a chickpea smash recipe or just a basic chickpea toast recipe.
Why You'll Love This Smashed Chickpea & Green Harissa Toasts Recipe
This recipe creates a wonderful mix of aromas and textures by combining crunchy toasted bread, sharp green harissa, and creamy chickpeas. This straightforward chickpea smash recipe is elevated to a very remarkable level by the addition of fresh coriander, softened tomatoes, and shallots perfumed with cumin. It is also completely plant-based, which makes it perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
Quick to prepare and full of nutrition, this smashed chickpea & green harissa toasts recipe is a winner for anyone seeking a satisfying, wholesome meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 2 vine tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 slices seeded sourdough bread (or bread of your choice)
- 4 tsp green harissa paste (such as Ottolenghi's)
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar or cider vinegar
- ¼ x 25g pack of fresh coriander
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot, garlic, and cumin seeds. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and chickpeas. Cover the pan and simmer gently for about 5 minutes. The tomatoes should soften, and the flavours will begin to meld beautifully.
- While the chickpeas are simmering, toast your sourdough slices until golden and crisp. Once toasted, spread 1 teaspoon of green harissa paste on each slice.
- Add the vinegar to the chickpea mixture, then use a potato masher or fork to lightly crush the chickpeas in the pan. You’re aiming for a chunky texture, not a puree. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Roughly chop about 1 tablespoon of coriander leaves and stir into the chickpea mixture just before serving.
- Spoon the warm chickpea smash generously over each harissa-coated toast. Garnish with more fresh coriander for a vibrant finish.
Tips for the Perfect Chickpea Toast Recipe
• Add Some Heat: Crushed chilli flakes make a great addition if you like it spicy.
• Creamy Finish: A dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds a cooling contrast to the heat of the harissa.
• Customise the Texture: Like it smoother? Mash more thoroughly. Prefer it rustic? Leave some chickpeas whole.
Nutritional Benefits
This smashed chickpea & green harissa toasts recipe is not only packed with flavour but also loaded with nutrients. Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fibre, while green harissa delivers a punch of antioxidants and vibrant herbs. When served on hearty seeded sourdough, you get a delicious mix of whole grains and healthy fats.
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