Marry Me Chickpeas are a fun and tasty dish made with chickpeas, creamy sauce, and spices that make your taste buds dance! This dish is cozy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
I always think this dish could make anyone fall in love, even if it’s just with chickpeas! Serve it over rice or with some bread, and you’ll be the hit of the dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: The star of this dish! Canned chickpeas save time, but you can use dried chickpeas if you prefer. Soak and cook them beforehand. They add a great texture and protein.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give a rich, tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, try using fresh tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes. Just remember, it may alter the texture a bit.
Spinach or Kale: Spinach wilts beautifully in the dish, while kale adds a firmer bite. Use what you have on hand! If you’re avoiding greens, try adding bell peppers or zucchini for a different twist.
Coconut Milk: This creamy ingredient brings a lovely richness. If coconut isn’t your thing, substitute with almond milk or heavy cream, but keep in mind the change in flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add heat! If you want a milder taste, you could leave them out or replace them with a pinch of black pepper or paprika.
How Do I Get Perfectly Flavored Chickpeas in This Dish?
For perfectly flavored chickpeas, the key lies in how you cook them with your other ingredients. Here’s how to ensure they soak up all those amazing flavors:
- Start by sautéing the onions and garlic to build a flavorful base. Cook until golden.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes early in the process, letting them release their flavor into the oil.
- When you stir in the chickpeas, make sure they mix well with the onions, garlic, and spices.
- The coconut milk acts as a absorbent sauce, ensure you simmer long enough for flavors to blend well—5 to 7 minutes is just right.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning at the end, especially the lemon juice for that extra brightness!
How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or kale)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in about 30-35 minutes total, you’ll have a wonderful meal ready to enjoy!
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 chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This will give your dish a lovely base of flavor!
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for another minute until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for about 2-3 minutes. The combination of these ingredients will bring a beautiful aroma to your kitchen!
3. Combine the Chickpeas:
Now it’s time to add the star of the show: the chickpeas! Pour them into the skillet and gently stir to combine with the other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is where you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste!
4. Simmer with Coconut Milk:
Next, pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will allow all those flavors to meld beautifully together, creating a creamy and delicious sauce.
5. Add Greens and Finish:
After your chickpeas have simmered, add in the chopped spinach (or kale) and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s all cooked down, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. This will brighten up the dish and add a fresh kick!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Marry Me Chickpeas are now ready! Serve them hot on their own, or over rice, quinoa, or with some crusty bread. Enjoy this delightful meal with loved ones or simply treat yourself!
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas! Just make sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the skillet. Typically, dried chickpeas will need about 1-2 hours of simmering after soaking, so plan accordingly!
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Milk?
If you don’t have coconut milk on hand, you can substitute it with almond milk or vegetable broth for a lighter option. If you want a creamier texture, you can use heavy cream or a combination of half-and-half and broth, adjusting the quantity to taste based on your desired richness.
How Do I Store Leftover Marry Me Chickpeas?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to help loosen the mixture if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just add them along with the onions at the beginning to give them enough time to cook through.
