This Easy Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is a delightful mix of chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices, all cooked together for an amazing flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
This dish is so good, it might just win you some hearts! 💓 I enjoy serving it over rice for a filling meal that’s easy to whip up any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A staple for cooking, it adds flavor and helps sauté the onions. You can swap it with avocado oil or any neutral oil if you prefer.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re short on time, use shallots or even leeks for a different flavor.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient, but dried chickpeas work too—just soak and cook them beforehand! They add a lovely rustic touch.
Coconut Milk: This makes the dish creamy and adds richness. If you’re not a fan, feel free to use heavy cream or even a nut milk like cashew for a lighter texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect, but you can easily substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Just adjust the cooking time since they can be heartier.
How Do You Make Sure Everything Is Well-Flavored?
Flavor is key in this dish, and it starts with the sautéing. When cooking onions and garlic, don’t rush the process. Allowing them to soften and turn golden releases natural sugars and enhances taste.
- Keep heat medium to avoid burning.
- Add spices right after the garlic to bloom their flavors.
- Simmering chickpeas and tomatoes in broth allows the ingredients to meld nicely.
Lastly, adding lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up beautifully! It’s all about layering flavors for that “marry me” effect!
Easy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, 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 vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon
Time Estimate:
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will be the base for all the wonderful flavors to come!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Take your time here; good onion is key!
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrant aromas.
4. Combine Chickpeas and Tomatoes:
Now, add the drained chickpeas and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well to coat everything in that lovely spice blend!
5. Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to let all the flavors mingle together.
6. Creamy Time!
Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Add Spinach:
Add the roughly chopped spinach and stir until it just wilts down, about 2 minutes. This brings a lovely color and nutrients to the dish!
8. Season the Dish:
Season with salt and black pepper to taste; adjust the flavor to your liking.
9. Finish with Citrus:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon and the optional fresh parsley or cilantro.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Marry Me Chickpeas hot, ideally alongside warm crusty bread or over steamed rice. This meal is not just easy to make, it’s also sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chickpeas
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to soak the dried chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. This typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the size of the chickpeas.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can substitute it with heavy cream for a richer texture, or use almond milk for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that almond milk may make the dish less creamy.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best quality, reheat gently on the stove or microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy texture when reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.
