FILLET O’ CHICKPEA SANDWICH WITH TARTAR SAUCE SLAW

SERVES 6 SANDWICHES

TARTAR SAUCE

1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in warm water for 1 hour and drained, water reserved

1/4 cup reserved soaking water

1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise (soy-free if necessary)

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tbsp. caper brine

1 tbsp. dried dill

SLAW

3 cups shredded cabbage

1 cup grated carrot

CHICKPEA FILLETS

1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz. can, rinsed and drained)

1 tbsp. liquid aminos (use coconut aminos to be soy-free)

One 14 to 15 oz. can artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained

1 cup cooked brown rice

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. chickpea flour, plus more if needed

1 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning

1/2 to 1 tsp. kelp granules

1/2 tsp. dried dill

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 1/2 cups vegan bread crumbs (gluten-free if necessary)

Vegetable oil for pan-frying

SANDWICHES

Basic Cashew Cheese Sauce

6 vegan sandwich rolls or burger buns (gluten-free if necessary), split horizontally

Sliced avocado

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 574kcal
Fat: 23.2g (10g S.Fat)
Carbs: 71.1g
Protein: 20.2g
Sugar: 13.3g
Sodium: 438mg

METHOD

To make the tartar sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the tartar sauce ingredients and process until smooth.

To make the slaw: Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl with 12 cup tartar sauce. Chill for at least 1 hour after mixing until completely combined. Refrigerate the remaining tartar sauce in a small bowl until needed.

To make the chickpea fillets: Over medium heat, heat a large frying pan, preferably cast iron. Cook for a few minutes after adding the chickpeas. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid aminos have been absorbed. Take the pan off the heat. Gently mash the chickpeas with a fork or pastry cutter. You only need to mash them a little; you want them to be a little chunky.

In a food processor, pulse the artichoke hearts 5 to 7 times, or until the artichokes are broken down into small pieces but not mushy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, artichokes, rice, and chickpea flour. Mash the mixture with your hands until it's fully combined and holds together when squeezed. If it doesn't hold together, add a tablespoon of chickpea flour at a time until it does. Mix in the Old Bay, kelp granules to taste, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line a baking sheet. To drain the cooked fillets, line a plate with paper towels.

Fill a shallow bowl halfway with bread crumbs. Make six equal portions of the chickpea mixture. Shape each fillet into the shape of your choice (round, square, or rectangle), then place in the bread crumbs and gently flip until all sides are covered. Shake off any excess crumbs before placing on the prepared baking sheet.

Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add oil until the pan's bottom is thinly coated. Add 2 or 3 fillets once the oil begins to shimmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden on both sides. Drain the excess oil from the fillets on a paper-towel-lined plate. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth to keep warm while you finish the rest of the filets (adding more oil to the pan if necessary).

To assemble each sandwich: Spread the bottom half of a roll with cheese, and the top half with tartar sauce. Place a fillet on top of the cheese sauce, then top with avocado slices, slaw, and the top half of the roll. Serve right away. If you intend to eat the sandwich later, place it in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 hours. Leftover fillets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.