Marry Me Chickpeas
This Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is a delightful vegan twist on the beloved comfort food, Marry Me Chicken! Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a warming meal that can impress your family or guests. With its rich blend of spices, creamy texture, and hearty chickpeas, it’s a dish you’ll fall in love with at first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices creates a rich flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping — it adapts to any meal occasion.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas and spinach, it’s a healthy choice for everyone.
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe uses vegan ingredients without sacrificing taste or texture.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your Marry Me Chickpeas turn out perfectly every time.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large sauté pan: Provides ample space for sautéing ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching the pan’s surface while ensuring all flavors meld together perfectly.
Ingredients
This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe puts a vegan twist on the viral comfort food, Marry Me Chicken! Get ready to fall in love with this indulgent 15-minute meal.
For the Base
- 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
For the Chickpea Mix
- (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 Topping
- 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (I used Violife)
How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
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.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the sun dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Now add the chickpeas, broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach. Stir well to combine everything. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through and the spinach has wilted. Taste; adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and optional grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or atop cooked rice or pasta. Enjoy your deliciously indulgent Marry Me Chickpeas!
How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chickpeas is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a hearty meal or a light snack, this recipe can adapt to your preferences. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Enjoy this dish with crusty bread for dipping, soaking up the creamy sauce and flavors.
Over Cooked Rice
- Serve Marry Me Chickpeas on top of cooked rice. The rice absorbs the delicious flavors, making for a satisfying meal.
On Pasta
- Toss the chickpeas with your choice of pasta for a quick and filling dinner option. This adds texture and heartiness to the dish.
Baked Sweet Potato
- Spoon the chickpea mixture over baked sweet potatoes for a nutritious and comforting meal that’s both sweet and savory.
In a Wrap
- Use tortillas or wrap bread to make a delicious wrap filled with Marry Me Chickpeas. Add fresh veggies for extra crunch.
As a Salad Topper
- Use Marry Me Chickpeas as a topping for salads. The creamy texture complements fresh greens beautifully.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas
To make your Marry Me Chickpeas even more delightful, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and spinach will boost the overall taste of your dish.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Experiment with creams: Try different vegan cream brands or alternatives like coconut cream for added richness.
- Add protein: Incorporate cooked quinoa or lentils for an extra protein boost in your meal.
- Garnish wisely: Top with additional fresh basil or avocado slices before serving for added freshness and color.
- Let it sit: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chickpeas
Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chickpeas can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy chickpeas while adding extra flavor.
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the chickpeas nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables add a wonderful charred flavor and nutrition.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with the chickpeas.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Couscous Salad: A chilled couscous salad with lemon dressing provides a light, zesty contrast to the creamy main course.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil alongside your chickpeas.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness and crunch, making them an excellent pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Marry Me Chickpeas, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the garlic: Garlic adds depth and flavor. Always include it for that rich taste.
- Not draining chickpeas properly: Excess liquid can make your dish watery. Drain and rinse chickpeas well to avoid this.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s taste is different. Don’t hesitate to tweak salt and spices to your liking.
- Overcooking the spinach: Spinach wilts quickly; overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. Stir it in just until wilted.
- Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh basil brightens the dish. Always add it right before serving for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Marry Me Chickpeas
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Consider portioning into smaller containers for easier thawing.
Reheating Marry Me Chickpeas
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on high in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, stirring often, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chickpeas.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes! Just soak and cook dried chickpeas beforehand, as canned chickpeas are already cooked.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?
These chickpeas pair beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. You can also serve them over baked sweet potatoes.
How can I customize Marry Me Chickpeas?
Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also adjust the spices based on your preference.
Are Marry Me Chickpeas gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful vegan meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it an ideal comfort food option. Experiment with different vegetables and spices to make this dish your own!
Marry Me Chickpeas
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful vegan twist on the classic comfort food, Marry Me Chicken. Ready in just 15 minutes, this creamy one-pan dish is packed with hearty chickpeas, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it boasts a flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread for an indulgent meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This recipe is not only quick but also easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.
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 about 1 minute.
- Add drained and rinsed chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately over rice or pasta or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
