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As the first day of astronomical summer approaches, thoughts of picnic blankets and sunshine and the smell of grass becoming more than just fantasies, it behooves you to begin thinking of an important feature of these dreams turned into reality: sandwiches.
Egg salad sandwiches are, of course, one of the first of the sandwiches to pop into mind when these visions of leisurely sun-drenched afternoons appear. The zest of the mayo, the crunch of the celery, the softness of the fluffy fresh bread holding it all together.
This is like that sandwich. But... not.
You see, instead of eggs, what makes up the hearty portion of this sandwich filling are our habitas, tender baby broad beans. And instead of mayo... Vegenaise. The rest? More or less the same. Astoundingly good flavor, none of the animal-product.
What you see below is a slight variation on a customer's suggestion for a chickpea-based appetizer. All credit for it's deliciousness is hers, and hers alone.
Total Time: However long it takes you to chop and dice and otherwise mix everything together, and then for maximum flavor leaving it in the fridge overnight.
Servings: Several sandwiches, depending on how generous you are with the filling.
1. Drain most of the olive oil from the jar of beans into a bowl, you may want more of it shortly. Then get those beans in a food processor and let the machine do what it was made to do. Want a smoother baby broad bean base? Add a bit more of that olive oil you've reserved, as you see fit.
2. Now, with your perfectly whipped habitas spread transferred to another bowl, fold in your shallots, celebry, guindilla peppers, dill tops, mustard, and Vegenaise. That's right fold it in. Just, fold it in, David.
3. If you've given yourself enough time, put the whole mixture in the fridge for a while, and let the flavors meld into perfection. Add a dash or more of piment d'Espelette at some point. Before, after, in the middle of the night.
4. Layer the not-egg salad between two slices of fresh bread, and make yourself a packed lunch. Best enjoyed while savoring a warm breeze while sitting on a blanket, looking out over Lake Michigan, Chicago's skyline to the south.
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