Chicky Salad

First select 3-5 ingredients from the Optional Ingredients list and prepare them.

Drain and rinse the chickpeas and layer them two or three deep in a flat-bottomed dish like a casserole or glass loaf pan. Using the bottom of a medium sized drinking glass, or clean jar, press the chickpeas until they are mostly flat and broken, leaving some peas whole or halved, and some totally mushed. For multiples of the recipe, use either a larger dish or press them in batches.

Mix together the crushed chickpeas and vegetables in a large bowl and add the remaining Necessary Ingredients, mix throughly and taste. Try to balance flavours, wetness, and crunchiness by adding more salt, mustard, mayonnaise, or fresh vegetables until a desirable mix is achieved. Chill for at least an hour for optimal flavour and temperature. Can be served cold with crackers or cucumber slices, or hot on a grilled cheese sandwich.