Marry Me Chickpeas

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. Perfect for busy weeknights or an intimate dinner, this dish showcases bold flavors and a creamy texture that will impress everyone at your table. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner option, these chickpeas are sure to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with crusty bread, over rice, pasta, or even baked sweet potatoes to suit your preference.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas and greens, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Vegan-Friendly: With no animal products involved, it’s suitable for various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need to whip up your Marry Me Chickpeas.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large sauté pan: A spacious pan allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while ensuring thorough mixing of flavors.

Ingredients

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 Main Ingredients

• (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 minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients

Now add the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach. Stir well to combine everything. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through and spinach has wilted. Taste; adjust seasoning with more salt or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil along with optional grated vegan parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or over cooked rice, pasta, or baked sweet potato. Enjoy!

How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas

Marry Me Chickpeas is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. This creamy, flavorful meal pairs well with many accompaniments, making it perfect for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked crusty bread is ideal for dipping into the chickpeas. The texture complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Over Cooked Rice

• Serving Marry Me Chickpeas over cooked rice adds heartiness to the dish. Brown rice or jasmine rice works wonderfully, soaking up the flavors.

On Pasta

• For a more filling option, toss the chickpeas with your favorite pasta. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta makes a delightful base.

With Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Stuffing baked sweet potatoes with Marry Me Chickpeas creates a nutritious and satisfying meal. The sweetness of the potato balances the savory flavors.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy this dish on its own! The combination of chickpeas, spinach, and vegan cream makes it rich and hearty enough for a satisfying main course.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas

To ensure your Marry Me Chickpeas turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want to add more salt or chili flakes based on your preference.
• Control texture: If you’d like a creamier consistency, blend a portion of the chickpeas before adding them to the pan.
• Experiment with greens: While baby spinach is great, feel free to substitute or add other greens such as kale or Swiss chard for variety.
• Choose your broth wisely: A high-quality vegetable broth will deepen the flavor profile of your dish.
• Serve immediately: For best results, serve right after cooking while it’s warm and fresh!

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chickpeas

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chickpeas can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfectly toasted garlic bread complements the creamy chickpea sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.

2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a crunchy contrast and add color to your plate. Try using carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.

3. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes serves as a refreshing side that balances the richness of the chickpeas.

4. Couscous
   Fluffy couscous absorbs flavors well and makes for an excellent base under your Marry Me Chickpeas.

5. Simple Green Salad
   A mixed green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon enhances freshness alongside this hearty dish.

6. Steamed Broccoli
   Steamed broccoli offers a nutritious crunch that pairs nicely with the creaminess of the chickpea dish without overpowering it.

7. Herbed Rice Pilaf
   Flavorful herbed rice pilaf adds aromatic depth and works as an excellent complement to Marry Me Chickpeas.

8. Grilled Asparagus
   Grilled asparagus has a smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce in your chickpea dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chickpeas, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common errors to watch out for.

• Using stale spices: Spices lose their potency over time. Always check your spice jars and replace any that are past their prime to ensure maximum flavor.
• Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing garlic and spices enriches the overall taste. Don’t rush this step; allow the garlic to become fragrant before adding other ingredients.
• Not draining chickpeas properly: Rinsing and draining canned chickpeas is essential to remove excess sodium and improve texture. Take a moment to do this before cooking.
• Overcooking spinach: Spinach cooks quickly and should be added towards the end of cooking. Add it too soon, and you’ll end up with mushy greens instead of tender leaves.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s taste buds differ. Always taste your dish as you cook, adjusting salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the Marry Me Chickpeas to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Marry Me Chickpeas

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container, as the dish will expand when frozen.

Reheating Marry Me Chickpeas

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chickpeas.

What makes Marry Me Chickpeas so special?

Marry Me Chickpeas are rich in flavor and creaminess while being completely plant-based. This dish brings comfort food vibes with a vegan twist!

Can I customize my Marry Me Chickpeas?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or switch up herbs based on what you have on hand for added flavor.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that any additional ingredients like broth or vegan cheese are also gluten-free certified.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them into the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chickpeas is a delightful dish that balances flavors beautifully while being simple enough for weeknight meals. It’s versatile—you can easily adapt it with various veggies or spices based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to win hearts at your dinner table!