chickpea pan bagnat

Very lightly smash the chickpea mixture with the back of a fork or a potato masher. You’re not looking for a hummus-like puree but something closer to a coarse chop with a few smaller bits to hold it together. Add olive oil, lemon zest, juice, and parsley and mix. Season well with salt, pepper, and pepper flakes. Taste and make sure it tastes as good as it should be.Split your rolls or bread in half and drizzle both sides generously with olive oil. Spoon the smashed chickpeas on the bottom half first, then the onion, and a little drizzle of vinegar. Add eggs, if using, and season this layer with salt and pepper. Add the capers, olives, and cucumber. Add another gentle drizzle of olive oil and smaller dribble of vinegar, if you wish. Finish with the tomatoes and more salt and pepper on top, then basil, if you’re using it.Close the sandwich(es) and wrap them in foil. Set a few of your heaviest pans or books on top for 10 minutes — this encourages the ingredients to mingle together and flattens the sandwich enough to ensure that you do not need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to take a bite. Eat right away, or keep wrapped sandwiches in the fridge, a cooler, or picnic basket until needed. I hope it’s soon.