Marry Me Chickpeas
This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe puts a vegan twist on the viral comfort food, Marry Me Chicken! In just 15 minutes, you can create a dish that is both indulgent and easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving something delicious, this recipe will surely impress your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: Packed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices, each bite delivers an explosion of flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alongside crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a complete meal that fits any preference.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Full of plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas and spinach, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty.
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe caters to vegans and those looking to reduce meat consumption without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Marry Me Chickpeas efficiently, having the right tools makes a world of difference.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large sauté pan: Essential for cooking everything evenly without overcrowding the ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly without scratching your pan.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accuracy in seasoning for the best flavor profile.
Ingredients
Pantry Staples
- 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
Main Ingredients
- (2) 15-ounce cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream (See Notes)
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cups baby spinach (sliced)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (I used Violife)
How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to let the spices bloom.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Now add the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until warm and the spinach has wilted. Taste; add more salt or pepper if desired.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil leaves. If using parmesan cheese, add it now. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or over cooked rice or pasta. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chickpeas!
How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chickpeas make a delightful main dish, but they can be paired with various sides for an even more enjoyable meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette or ciabatta is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce of Marry Me Chickpeas.
Over Rice
- Serve the chickpeas on a bed of fluffy rice. Brown or jasmine rice complements the flavors beautifully.
On Pasta
- Toss the chickpeas with your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too.
With Salad
- Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast. A simple arugula or spinach salad adds freshness.
In Tacos
- Spoon the mixture into corn tortillas for a fun twist. Top with avocado and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
As a Stuffed Sweet Potato
- Bake sweet potatoes and fill them with the chickpea mixture for a comforting and nutritious dish.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas
To ensure your Marry Me Chickpeas turn out delicious every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and good-quality olive oil elevate the dish’s taste.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the red chili flakes based on your heat preference.
- Experiment with creams: Different vegan cream brands may yield varying textures; find one you love.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the dish to simmer longer can deepen the flavors, making it even more irresistible.
- Garnish generously: Don’t skip on fresh basil or vegan parmesan as they add a burst of flavor at the end.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chickpeas pair wonderfully with various sides that complement their rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted bread with garlic butter makes for an irresistible side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until crispy provide a healthy balance to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds texture and nutrition while keeping it vegan-friendly.
- Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with lemon zest is an easy and delicious option.
- Grilled Asparagus: Charred asparagus brings a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy chickpeas.
- Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative offers a unique twist and absorbs flavors well.
- Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad enhances the theme while providing additional protein.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with grains and spices are both colorful and filling additions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preparing Marry Me Chickpeas can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your dish. Here are some tips to avoid them:
-
Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt or spices can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you cook and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
-
Overcooking the garlic: Burning garlic can impart a bitter taste. Cook it just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, and keep an eye on it.
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Ignoring the texture: Using too much or too little vegan cream can affect the dish’s creaminess. Start with the suggested amount and adjust for your preference.
-
Forgetting to rinse chickpeas: Canned chickpeas can have a metallic taste if not rinsed properly. Always drain and rinse them under cold water before use.
-
Not using fresh herbs: Dried herbs can’t match the flavor of fresh ones. Use fresh basil at the end for a burst of flavor and aroma.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature before sealing.
Freezing Marry Me Chickpeas
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Marry Me Chickpeas
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Marry Me Chickpeas that might help you:
What are Marry Me Chickpeas?
Marry Me Chickpeas is a vegan twist on traditional comfort food made with chickpeas, vegetables, and creamy sauce, perfect for quick meals.
Can I customize Marry Me Chickpeas?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out spinach for kale for different flavors.
How can I make Marry Me Chickpeas spicier?
To enhance spiciness, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add diced jalapeños. Adjust according to your heat preference!
What should I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or even baked sweet potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chickpeas is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. It’s an ideal dish that appeals to both vegans and non-vegans alike. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Give this comforting recipe a try; you might just fall in love!
Marry Me Chickpeas
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful vegan dish that takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This one-pan recipe is inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken and features hearty chickpeas simmered in a creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making it a great choice for impressing family and friends. Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this easy vegan recipe will quickly become a favorite.
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) 15-ounce cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream
- 2 cups baby spinach (sliced)
- 4–5 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil (and optional vegan parmesan). Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
