Avocado Chickpea Sandwiches

Teething bites!

The kid is getting both his top and bottom canines in at the moment.  What that means is, in addition to being awake for 3 hour blocks of time in the middle of the night, he is even pickier than normal.  

He eats fruit, gathered spinach scramble, and...nope...that's about it.  Luckily it's summer and that means lots of fresh seasonal fruit.  

Luckily for me the husband will eat almost anything I put in front of him.  He sometimes grumbles a bit and says, "I bet this is healthy, isn't it?"  Gee, is this the thanks I get for trying to extend his healthy years?  

But seriously, he's actually a good sport. 

At least once a week I try to have a sandwich night.  There are just some days I don't feel like cooking up a big meal and I like to have the option to opt out.  That's been happening a lot more lately with the long nights and fussy days.  I, for one, love sandwiches.  Although, it always seems like they taste better when somebody else makes them.  It might be because I tend to go sparingly on the delicious fatty sauces, while others (read, the husband) don't.  

This sandwich is nothing if not healthy, despite which the husband really does enjoy them.  Avocados contain lots of healthy fats that are great for both adults and children alike.  And chickpeas are one of the healthiest beans, with plenty of fiber and protein to keep you feeling full.  Free of cheese or mayonnaise, this sandwich is a delicious vegan alternative to traditional sandwiches.  It also packs well for picnics or other outings as it can go without refrigeration for longer than, say, a tuna sandwich.    Of course, feel free to add cheese to it and grill it for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner with a fruit and vegetable salad on the side. 

 

Avocado Chickpea Sandwich Filling

recipe from: Two Peas and Their Pod

makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) (or 1-15 oz can)

1 ripe avocado

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1-2 tbs. lime juice, or to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl smash the chickpeas lightly with a fork or potato masher.  Add the avocado and continue mashing to combine.

2. Stir in the cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper.  

3. Spread on whole grain bread. Top with other sandwich fillings (spinach, sprouts, tomatoes, etc), if desired.

What the husband thinks: He really enjoys these.  They taste amazingly creamy and delicious for being healthy.  It's always a hit when healthy tastes good.

What the kid ate: If he's in the mood he'll eat a whole sandwich.  Lately though, he's not been in the mood.  Dang canines!  He has really enjoyed these in the past though.  This most recent time he mostly just poked holes in the bread with his fork and gnawed on some celery.