Marry Me Chickpeas
This one-pan Marry Me Chickpeas recipe puts a vegan twist on the viral comfort food, Marry Me Chicken! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. In just 15 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love. With its creamy texture and rich taste, it’s sure to win hearts at any dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices creates a savory experience that delights the taste buds.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread; this dish adapts to your preferences and pantry items.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chickpeas and spinach, it’s not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy a hearty meal without any animal products while still satisfying your cravings.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for the Marry Me Chickpeas recipe.
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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 all ingredients to cook evenly without crowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware while ensuring even mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise quantities of ingredients for balanced flavors in your dish.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to whip up your delicious Marry Me Chickpeas:
- 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 (See Notes)
- 2 cups baby spinach (sliced)
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (I used Violife)
How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil
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, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until warm 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 leaves and optional grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or over cooked rice or pasta. Enjoy your delightful Marry Me Chickpeas!
How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chickpeas are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Enjoy dipping warm, crusty bread into the creamy chickpea sauce for a comforting bite.
Over Rice
- Serve the Marry Me Chickpeas over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
Pasta Dish
- Toss the chickpeas with your favorite pasta for a heartwarming Italian-inspired dish.
Baked Sweet Potato
- Spoon the chickpeas over a baked sweet potato for a healthy and hearty option.
Salad Topper
- Use the chickpeas as a topping on fresh greens for an added protein boost in your salad.
With Vegan Parmesan
- Sprinkle extra vegan parmesan on top before serving for a cheesy finish that enhances flavor.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chickpeas
To get the best out of your Marry Me Chickpeas, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to add more red chili flakes if you prefer extra heat.
- Experiment with creams: Try different brands of vegan cream to find your favorite consistency and taste.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the chickpeas in advance and reheat before serving for a quick meal.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture, enjoy this dish 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 dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
-
Garlic Bread
A classic choice, garlic bread complements the flavors perfectly and is great for soaking up sauce. -
Caesar Salad
A light Caesar salad offers crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the chickpeas. -
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition, making your plate visually appealing and wholesome. -
Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad provides protein and texture, making it a nutritious side dish alongside the chickpeas. -
Steamed Broccoli
Simple steamed broccoli adds a healthy green element that pairs well with creamy dishes without overpowering them. -
Olive Tapenade Crostini
These flavorful crostinis bring a Mediterranean flair that complements the Italian-inspired Marry Me Chickpeas well. -
Couscous
Fluffy couscous can absorb all those wonderful flavors from the chickpeas, creating a delightful combination. -
Pickled Vegetables
Adding pickled vegetables offers brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Marry Me Chickpeas, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Flavor Overload: Adding too many spices can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts and taste as you go.
- Skipping the Cream: The vegan cream adds richness. Don’t skip it; otherwise, your chickpeas may lack a creamy texture.
- Underestimating Cooking Time: While this is a quick recipe, rushing through the cooking process can lead to unevenly cooked ingredients. Follow the timing for best results.
- Neglecting Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil enhances flavor immensely. Be sure to add it at the end for maximum freshness.
- Using Canned Chickpeas Incorrectly: Rinsing canned chickpeas is essential to remove excess sodium and improve taste. Always rinse before adding them to your pan.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Marry Me Chickpeas can last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Marry Me Chickpeas
- Transfer cooled chickpeas into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Marry Me Chickpeas
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Marry Me Chickpeas.
Can I make Marry Me Chickpeas gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure that your vegetable broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or even baked sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
How do I make Marry Me Chickpeas spicy?
To increase the spice level, add more red chili flakes or include diced fresh chili peppers during cooking.
Are there any variations of Marry Me Chickpeas?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chickpeas is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. This delicious recipe offers room for customization based on your preferences, whether you want to add more veggies or adjust the spice level. Give it 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 twist on the beloved Marry Me Chicken, perfect for any occasion. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this creamy and flavorful dish that will undoubtedly become a favorite at your dinner table. The combination of garlicky sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, and fresh spinach creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s both hearty and healthy. Whether served over fluffy rice, crusty bread, or pasta, this one-pan wonder is adaptable to your taste preferences and pantry staples. It’s a quick solution for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings that everyone will love.
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)
- optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 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 chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach; mix well and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil leaves (and optional vegan parmesan), and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Vegan/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
