Marry Me Chickpeas are the perfect comforting dish that will make you fall in love with plant-based cooking. This recipe promises a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to whip up for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to make this heartwarming dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients List for Marry Me Chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream (See Notes)
- 2 cups baby spinach (sliced)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (I used Violife)
How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas Step-by-Step
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine all Ingredients
Now add the chickpeas, broth, tomato paste, cream, and spinach. Stir well.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until warm and the spinach has wilted. Taste; add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
Step 6: Finish It Off
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, on top of cooked rice, pasta, or even a baked sweet potato. Enjoy!
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chickpeas
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor.
- Nutritious: Loaded with chickpeas and spinach, this recipe is high in protein and vitamins.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, over pasta, or even as a dip with bread.
Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Marry Me Chickpeas
- Chickpeas: For an even creamier texture, you can blend half of the chickpeas and mix them back in.
- Spinach Alternatives: If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard work well as substitutes.
- Cream Option: Use any kind of vegan cream or coconut cream for richness.
- Make It Spicy: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your heat preference.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to use any plant-based cheese that melts well.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chickpeas can be served in various ways:
- Over cooked whole grain pasta for a hearty meal.
- On a slice of toasted sourdough bread for a quick snack.
- As a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- With rice for a filling one-bowl dish.
How To Store Marry Me Chickpeas
- Cool Before Storing: Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for Longer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to help with consistency.
- Check for Freshness: Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before consuming leftovers.
Tips For Success
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your chickpeas to avoid mushiness.
- Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh herbs for the best flavor in your dish.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning to your preference while cooking.
- Experiment with Accompaniments: Try different breads or grains to discover new favorite pairings.
Flavor Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives and artichokes for a Mediterranean flair.
- Curry Flavor: Stir in curry powder or paste for an Indian-inspired dish.
- Smoky: Add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
FAQs About Marry Me Chickpeas
-
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes, if using dried chickpeas, soak and cook them beforehand according to package instructions. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure that your vegetable broth and cream are gluten-free. -
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Just use a nut-free vegan cream or coconut milk instead. -
How do I make this recipe spicier?
You can increase the amount of red chili flakes or add chopped fresh chili peppers.
Closing Notes
Marry Me Chickpeas are a delightful way to introduce delicious plant-based meals into your kitchen. This dish is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying and versatile. Whether served for a cozy dinner or as an appetizer, it’s bound to impress. So gather your ingredients and fall in love with this tasty recipe today!
Marry Me Chickpeas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cans (15-ounce) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream (See Notes)
- 2 cups baby spinach (sliced)
- 4-5 leaves fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (optional) I used Violife
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Now add the chickpeas, broth, tomato paste, cream, and spinach. Stir well.
Cooking
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, until warm and the spinach has wilted. Taste; add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and grated parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, on top of cooked rice, pasta, or even a baked sweet potato.
