This fun and easy Marry Me Chickpeas dish brings bold flavors together with tender chickpeas, spices, and creamy goodness. It’s perfect for quick dinners!
I love making this meal when I want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time. Serve it over rice or in a bowl—so comforting, you might just want to marry it! 😂
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient! If you’re feeling adventurous, use dried chickpeas. Just soak them overnight and cook until tender.
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor, but you can also use avocado oil or coconut oil for a different twist.
Coconut Milk: I love using coconut milk for its creaminess but if you prefer a lighter option, feel free to swap with heavy cream or a plant-based alternative like almond milk.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal, but you can use kale or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Achieve the Right Texture in This Dish?
Getting the perfect creamy consistency is key in this dish. After adding the vegetable broth and coconut milk, let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Cook it uncovered; this helps evaporate some liquid for a thicker stew.
- If you want it creamier, add more coconut milk towards the end and let it simmer a little longer.
Easy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 3/4 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice, naan, or crusty bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep and around 15-20 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll be ready to serve this delicious dish in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. This step is crucial as it helps to build flavor right from the start!
2. Sauté Garlic and Onion:
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will be amazing!
3. Add Spices:
Stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and ground cumin. Let them cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant, making your kitchen smell lovely!
4. Mix in Chickpeas:
Add the drained chickpeas to the pan. Gently stir to coat the chickpeas evenly with the spices. This step is important for maximizing flavor.
5. Add Liquids:
Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and coconut milk (or heavy cream), stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a light simmer. This will create a creamy sauce!
6. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Allow the mixture to cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes. This will let it thicken up a bit, so keep an eye on it!
7. Add Fresh Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts down and adds that lovely green color.
8. Final Seasoning:
Season the chickpea mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Make sure to taste test—this makes all the difference!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for some extra color and flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the chickpeas hot over a bed of rice, with some naan, or alongside crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy this comforting dish that everyone will love!
This creamy, savory, and slightly spicy chickpea stew is not just quick to make, it’s also packed with flavor and nourishment!
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and then cook until tender before using them in the recipe. Just keep in mind that this will add some additional prep time.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to reduce the heat, simply use less red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. Conversely, for a spicier kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or extra red pepper flakes according to your taste preference!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just make sure to use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, which is appropriate for a plant-based diet. It’s creamy and delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
