This Easy Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is the perfect dish for cozy meals. Loaded with chickpeas, spices, and tomatoes, it’s warm and inviting, making every spoonful a comforting hug!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! I love serving it over rice, and the flavor is so good that even my picky eaters come back for seconds. It’s a win all around! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super handy. If you want to use dry ones, soak and cook them until tender. They add a lovely texture to the dish!
Olive Oil: Olive oil brings a rich flavor, but you can use avocado oil or any neutral oil if you prefer. Just keep the heat medium to avoid burning.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice depth. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for a different taste.
Coconut Milk: This gives the dish creaminess and a subtle sweetness. If you want a dairy option, go for heavy cream. You can also use almond or cashew milk for a lighter version.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is delicious here, but you could use kale or any other leafy green. Just chop it smaller for easier eating!
How Do You Make Creamy Chickpeas Without Burning?
Cooking this dish gently is key to keeping your chickpeas and flavors intact. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start medium heat to avoid burning the garlic and onion, stir regularly.
- When you add spices, let them cook briefly—just a couple of minutes—before adding liquids. This makes the flavors pop!
- When you pour in the coconut milk, reduce the heat to low so it simmers gently, not boiling, which helps achieve a creamy texture.
- Finally, consistently stir as you cook with spinach to ensure it wilts evenly without sticking.
Following these steps will give you a smooth, creamy chickpea dish every time!
Easy Marry Me Chickpeas
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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for dairy version)
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or crusty bread (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 to cook, so in total, you’ll need around 25 minutes. Quick and easy for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them together until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Make sure not to burn the garlic!
2. Add the Chickpeas and Spices:
Next, stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes. This step is important because it allows the spices to bloom and infuse into the chickpeas.
3. Stir in the Creaminess:
Pour in 1 cup of coconut milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor) and stir well to combine everything. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes; this will allow it to thicken slightly. You’ll want to keep it at a low simmer, so the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Add the Spinach:
Now, fold in those beautiful handfuls of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down. It’s such a lovely pop of color and nutrition!
5. Final Touches:
Once the spinach is wilted, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed for your taste buds!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a nice burst of freshness. Serve your creamy Marry Me Chickpeas over warm rice or with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy this delightful dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any cozy evening with loved ones! 😊
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chickpeas
Can I Use Fresh Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using dried chickpeas, just soak them overnight and then cook until tender before adding them to the recipe. You’ll need about 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas for this dish.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can use heavy cream for a richer flavor or almond milk for a lighter option. Keep in mind that using almond milk may alter the overall creaminess slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale. Just add them along with the chickpeas so they cook through properly. This adds both flavor and nutrition!
