Sandwiches are a picnic essential, but these ones have a bit of a twist. These uncomplicated sandwiches are fresh and full of flavour made extra special with homemade flatbread studded with fragrant nigella seeds. The chickpea filling is dressed with olive oil, pomegranate molasses, honey, and chili crisp for a delicious and unexpected flavour that belies the simplicity of the preparation. You can find chili crisp in Asian or specialty grocery stores.
Chickpea hack
To avoid rolling chickpeas, consider mashing approximately 1/4 of the chickpeas to create a bit of a “glue.”
Easily adaptable
You can easily switch out the headliner of this dish by using the dressing for grilled meat such as chicken or beef steak, or even tofu. Reduce the oil in the dressing by 1 Tbsp (15 mL). This also works well if you’re feeding a crowd and you want to provide other choices. Just double the flatbreads recipe and make a second batch of dressing to toss with your cooked chicken or steak.
This recipe was originally published in the April 2025 issue of alive magazine.
Chickpea Flatbread Sandwiches with Arugula, Pomegranate, and Chili Crisp
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (310 mL) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) whole wheat flour
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) nigella seeds (kalonji)
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) honey
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) tepid water
- 1/2tsp (2 mL) yeast
- 1 to 2 Tbsp (15 to 30 mL) canola or sunflower oil for cooking
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 mL) honey
- 1 tsp (5 mL) chili crisp
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pomegranate molasses
- 14 oz (398 mL) can chickpeas
- 2/3 cup (160 mL) pomegranate seeds
- Mint sprigs for garnish
Directions
01
In medium bowl, whisk together flours, nigella seed, cumin, and salt. Set aside.
02
In small bowl, whisk together honey and water and sprinkle yeast overtop. Allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until yeast begins to bloom. Add yeast mixture to flour mixture and stir to combine.
03
Knead by hand or use stand mixer with dough hook to knead for approximately 7 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in oiled bowl, cover with kitchen towel, and set aside to rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about1 to 2 hours.
04
Divide dough into 12 sections and roll each into a ball. Heat griddle or cast iron frying pan and brush with oil. Roll out each ball to a flat circle and place down on hot surface. Flip when bubbles appear on top surface and bottom begins to brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Flip to other side and continue to cook until surface is golden. Allow breads to cool and then pack in airtight container.
05
In small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chili crisp, and pomegranate molasses. Set aside.
06
To medium pot, add chickpeas and their water, plus an additional can of water. Simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and allow to cool for 10 minutes before draining. Drain and toss with dressing and pomegranate seeds. Seal in container and refrigerate or pack in your cooler.
07
To a separate sealable container, add 2 cups (500 mL) of arugula and pack in your cooler.
08
To serve, have picknickers make up their own sandwiches, adding a little bit of arugula to a flatbread and topping with chickpea mixture. Top each sandwich with a few mint leaves.
