Marry Me Chickpeas

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that will have everyone asking for more, then these Marry Me Chickpeas are just what you need! This recipe combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with wholesome ingredients to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to steal hearts and fill bellies!

What makes Marry Me Chickpeas special is how effortlessly they come together in just 15 minutes. The rich, creamy sauce paired with the hearty chickpeas and fresh spinach creates an indulgent experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, making it perfect for everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those evenings when time is tight.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal! Everything cooks together beautifully in one pan.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spices, and vegan cream creates a rich flavor that warms the soul.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into this hearty meal—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to bring these Marry Me Chickpeas to life! Each one plays an important role in creating the delicious flavors you’ll love.

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 Mixture

• (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)

For Serving

• 4-5 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (I used Violife)

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have at home.

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you like a kick, increase the red chili flakes or add some diced jalapeños.
• Change the Greens: Swap out baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and taste.
• Swap the Cream: Use coconut milk or cashew cream if you’re looking for a different creamy base.

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas

Step 1: Sauté the 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. This step infuses the oil with garlic flavor, setting up a delicious base for your dish.

Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute. This helps release all those aromatic spices into the oil—trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

Now add the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until warm and the spinach has wilted. Taste your mixture here; it’s your chance to adjust seasonings as needed!

Step 4: Finish It Off

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and grated vegan parmesan (if using). Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or over cooked rice or pasta. Enjoy every bite of these delightful Marry Me Chickpeas!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chickpeas

Making this delicious dish is a breeze, but a few tips can take it from great to unforgettable!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil make a world of difference in flavor. They enhance the dish’s aroma and taste, making it truly irresistible.

• Adjust the heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of red chili flakes. It’s all about personal preference, so feel free to customize the heat level to suit your taste.

• Experiment with greens: While baby spinach is fantastic, you can also try kale or Swiss chard for a different texture. These greens add nutritional value and give your dish a unique twist.

• Let it simmer: Allowing the chickpeas to simmer for a couple of minutes helps all the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.

• Make it ahead: This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.

How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas

This dish not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on the plate! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few extra torn basil leaves sprinkled on top add a burst of color and freshness.
• Vegan parmesan cheese: A light dusting of grated vegan parmesan provides that cheesy element without any dairy.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce; it’s perfect for sopping up every last bit.
• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and balances out the richness of the chickpeas.
• Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon dressing brings texture and complements the creaminess beautifully.
• Baked sweet potatoes: The sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the chickpeas, creating a hearty meal option.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Marry Me Chickpeas will not only impress your family but might even win over some hearts along the way! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is perfect for meal prep! Making it ahead of time not only saves you effort during busy weeknights but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chickpeas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you plan to eat them later in the week, keep the vegan parmesan separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

• Portion out the chickpeas into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to label with the date!
• For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Marry Me Chickpeas.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned for Marry Me Chickpeas?

Yes! If you prefer using dried chickpeas, make sure to soak and cook them beforehand according to package instructions before adding them to your dish.

What should I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?

Marry Me Chickpeas are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or even a baked sweet potato for a fulfilling meal.

How can I customize my Marry Me Chickpeas?

Feel free to add your favorite veggies such as bell peppers or zucchini. Adjust spices according to your taste—more chili flakes for heat or additional herbs for flavor!

Are Marry Me Chickpeas gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that any additional ingredients like vegetable broth or vegan parmesan are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Marry Me Chickpeas as much as I do! This recipe is not just about great flavors; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table that you’ll cherish. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, I’m sure it will bring smiles all around. Happy cooking!