Easy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

This Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is a simple yet delicious dish made with tender chickpeas, tomatoes, and a hint of spice. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, full of flavor!

Honestly, who wouldn’t fall in love after one bite of these chickpeas? 😍 I like to serve them over rice or with warm bread to soak up all the tasty sauce. Enjoy this cozy meal!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Olive Oil: This is essential for sautéing and adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use vegetable oil or avocado oil as a substitute.

Onion: A small onion gives a lovely base flavor. You can swap it with shallots or leeks for a different taste. If you’re in a hurry, frozen chopped onions work great too!

Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are a time-saver. You can also use dried chickpeas if you soak and cook them beforehand. I find the canned ones are more convenient for quick meals.

Coconut Milk: This brings creaminess. If you’re avoiding coconut, you can use heavy cream, or for a lighter option, almond or soy milk will work, though the flavor will be different.

Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal. You can substitute it with kale or even frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain it first.

How to Make Sure Your Spices Are Just Right?

Getting the spices right enhances the dish significantly. Once you add the garlic and spices to the pan, keep stirring! This prevents burning and helps release those delicious flavors.

• Start by sautéing the onions on medium heat. Once they’re soft, add garlic to prevent it from burning.
• When adding spices, let them cook for a minute or so. This helps to bloom the spices, bringing out their full taste.
• Taste the dish before serving! Adjust the chili flakes to make it spicier or add a little more salt if needed.

Easy Marry Me Chickpeas

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for richer taste)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: crusty bread or cooked rice for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Marry Me Chickpeas recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick, tasty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent—this step adds a lovely flavor base to your dish!

2. Add Garlic and Spices:

Next, stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Make sure to stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn; you want it to be deliciously aromatic!

3. Combine Chickpeas and Tomatoes:

Now it’s time to add the drained chickpeas and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together well, ensuring the chickpeas are nicely coated with those yummy spices.

4. Pour in the Creamy Base:

Next, pour in the coconut milk (or heavy cream if you prefer). Stir to combine everything well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly—this is where the magic happens!

5. Add Fresh Spinach:

Once the sauce has thickened, add in the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the sauce beautifully.

6. Season and Serve:

Finally, season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors, and then remove it from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor.

7. Enjoy Your Meal:

Serve these creamy Marry Me Chickpeas warm, either alongside some crusty bread or over a bed of cooked rice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Enjoy your easy, creamy, and flavorful Marry Me Chickpeas!

FAQ about Easy Marry Me Chickpeas

Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead of Dried Ones?

Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are perfect for this recipe and save you time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the skillet.

Can I Substitute Coconut Milk?

Yes! If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream for a richer flavor or almond milk for a lighter option. Just note that using different milk types may change the dish’s overall taste and creaminess.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for added nutrition and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.