This Easy Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is a super tasty and comforting dish! It combines chickpeas with yummy spices for a delightful meal that’s simple to make and full of flavor.
Honestly, these chickpeas are so good they might just win you over! Whenever I make them, I can’t help but share a little extra with friends and family—who can resist those cozy flavors?
I love serving these chickpeas over rice or with warm bread for a complete meal. It’s quick and easy, and I always feel happy seeing everyone enjoy it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas make for a quick option, but you can use cooked dried chickpeas for a more authentic texture. Just soak and cook them beforehand. I love using organic chickpeas for better flavor!
Sun-dried Tomatoes: If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute with roasted red peppers for a different but still delicious taste. I sometimes chop up fresh tomatoes and sauté them for a fresher twist.
Coconut Milk: For those looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk is perfect. If you prefer dairy, heavy cream works well too. Use half-and-half for a lighter version that still has creaminess.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is beautiful, but you can replace it with kale or any greens you have on hand. Also, I often throw in arugula for an extra peppery flavor!
How Do You Achieve That Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
To make sure your sauce has the right creamy consistency, the trick is in the mixture of coconut milk (or heavy cream) and vegetable broth. Start with a gentle simmer after adding these liquids, as this allows the flavors to meld while avoiding an overly watery dish.
- Always stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Let it simmer long enough—5-7 minutes—to thicken but not so long that it reduces too much.
With these tips, you can enjoy that rich and velvety sauce that makes this dish truly comforting!
Easy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Base:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Mixing in Chickpeas:
Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Seasoning the Dish:
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat) over the chickpeas. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors.
4. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk (or heavy cream) into the skillet. Stir everything until it’s well mixed and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Thickening the Mixture:
Allow the mixture to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the sauce thicken up slightly while keeping everything from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
6. Adding Freshness:
Fold in the roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This adds a lovely color and nutrition to the dish!
7. Final Touches:
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed to make it just right for you.
8. Serving It Up:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. This dish is delicious served hot over rice, with naan, or alongside crusty bread.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful chickpea dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal!
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Can I Use Fresh Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using dried chickpeas, make sure to soak and cook them beforehand. Generally, you’ll need about 1 cup of dried chickpeas, which will yield about 2-3 cups of cooked chickpeas after soaking and cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with heavy cream, half-and-half, or even plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. Just be mindful of the heat, as yogurt can curdle if added directly to boiling liquids.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale to enhance the nutrition and taste. Just make sure to chop them finely and add them at the beginning with the onions so they cook through properly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to loosen it up.
