Chickpea ‘tuna’ salad

 From Rouxbe Task 38.  Very good. The mushroom powder definitely helps give a tuna taste.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chickpeas (1-28oz can)
• 2 to 3 tbsp red onion, (or to taste) 
• 2 to 3 celery stalks (approx. 1/2 cup)
• 2 to 3 pickles (approx. 1/4 cup) (Used capers)
• 2 tbsp nori seaweed flakes*. (Used a sprinkle of TJs mushroom umami powder)
• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise or Cashew Sour Cream. (See separate recipe)

Description

For this recipe, you will need one 28-ounce can of chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) or two smaller cans. Alternatively, you can cook your own, which is even better. If using canned, drain and place into a large bowl.

Using a pastry cutter, potato masher or a fork, mash the chickpeas to break them up.

Next, finely dice the onion, celery and pickle and add them to the chickpeas. Add the nori flakes, salt and pepper and mix to combine.

*NOTE: If you do not have nori flakes, you can grind up one or two sheets of nori (the kind used to make sushi) in a spice grinder. The mineral-rich nori adds a nice "from the sea" flavor and look to the mixture.

Lastly, add the vegan mayonnaise or Cashew Sour Cream. Mix to combine and taste for seasoning. Note: If mixture seems a bit dry, add a touch more vegan mayo or cashew sour cream.