Green Goddess Garbanzo Party Sandwich (by Ralph Vincent)

ABOUT THE RECIPE:

Ralph says: Fresh herbs and scallions give a scrumptious green color to this yummy, vegan garbanzo bean (aka chickpea!) filling.

Makes approximately 10 to 12 party servings.

INGREDIENTS:

• One large French style baguette (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 can chickpeas (15.5 ounces), drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (or, to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (or, to taste)

DIRECTIONS: 

Place the chickpeas in a large mixing bowl and mash with a fork to a chunky consistency.

To make the dressing, put the vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, basil, scallions, tarragon, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Process on high speed until smooth. 

Add the dressing to the mixing bowl with the chickpeas. Add the almonds; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

To prepare the sandwiches, slice the baguette horizontally and spread the bottom half with the chickpea mixture. Place the top half of the baguette on top of the chickpea mixture and press gently. 

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until party time. To serve, slice into 1.5- to 2-inch wide sandwiches. Secure each with a toothpick or party skewer; arrange them on a platter and serve!