Give Chickpeas A Chance

All we are saying, is give chickpeas a chance. There is far more to these little nuggets of luscious indulgence than just turning them into hummus (Not that hummus isn't fantastic). This sexy little appetizer dish was inspired by an amuse bouche served at Mario Batali's B&B in Las Vegas and the ever present problem of making something fantastic to bring to parties that is quick, easy and best of all won't break the bank.

This recipe can be adjusted for personal taste, so the quantities below are just guidelines. Once you have tried this, you will never think poorly of the humble chickpea ever again.

Serves 6.

Ingredients.

1 loaf of baguette bread or similar
Olive oil
1 can of chickpeas
3 cloves of garlic, minced and 1 whole clove
1 Tablespoon cayenne powder
1 Teaspoon cumin
1 lemon, zest and juice
3 Tablespoons italian parsley, chopped fine
Salt and pepper

Directions.

1. Turn oven on to low broil. Slice baguette in 1" pieces and arrange on cookie sheet.
2. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and broil till lightly toasted (aprox 3 mins), flip and toast 2nd side.
3. When done, rub the oiled side of each piece with the whole clove of garlic.
4. Drain the chickpeas and rinse in hot water. Put in medium bowl.
5. Sweat but do not brown the minced garlic in a generous amount of olive oil. Add cumin and cayenne   to toast the spices.
6. Add garlic, oil, and spices to chickpeas, add zest and juice of lemon, parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
7. Mix well, smashing the chickpeas slightly.
8. Serve mixture on toasted bread.