This Easy Marry Me Chickpeas dish is packed with flavor from garlic and a mix of fresh herbs. It’s a simple, hearty meal that goes well with rice or on its own!
Who needs a romantic dinner when you have these chickpeas? They’ll definitely steal your heart — or at least make your stomach happy! 😄 I love serving them with a sprinkle of extra herbs for that fresh touch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is a staple for sautéing and adds a nice richness. If you’re out, go for avocado oil or even melted butter for a different flavor. I love using extra virgin olive oil for its taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder works too, but use less (about 1/4 teaspoon) since it’s more concentrated. I always use fresh whenever I can — it just tastes so much better.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are so convenient but you can use cooked dried chickpeas if you prefer. Just soak and cook them until tender. I like the texture of canned ones for this recipe since they’re soft and soak up flavors quickly.
Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness. If you’d rather not use coconut, heavy cream or dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk can be good substitutes. I stick with coconut when I want a hint of tropical flavor!
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in this dish. If you have frozen spinach on hand, that’s a good substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Fresh spinach feels lighter to me, giving better texture.
How Can I Easily Get the Right Texture When Cooking Chickpeas?
Getting the right texture is key for these Marry Me Chickpeas. When cooking them, aim for creamy and soft but not mushy. Here’s how:
- After rinsing, gently sauté the chickpeas with the spice mix to coat them well, which helps them absorb flavors.
- Simmer in the broth and coconut milk for just enough time to thicken the sauce (5-7 minutes). Too long can make them mushy.
- Stir in the spinach last, cooking it just until wilted to keep the texture lively.
These tips can help you achieve a delightful dish full of flavor and the perfect bite!
Easy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes for cooking, making it a total of 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something delicious without too much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, just until they become fragrant and soft. This step builds a solid flavor base!
2. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to add in the smoked paprika and red chili flakes. Stir them in and cook for another 30 seconds. This will bring out the spices’ flavors and give a lovely warmth to the dish.
3. Mix in the Chickpeas:
Add the rinsed chickpeas to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the spice mixture. This ensures the chickpeas are full of flavor with every bite.
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine everything. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and meld the flavors together.
5. Incorporate the Veggies:
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and then add in your fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, around 2-3 minutes. It’s amazing how it transforms to add color and nutrients!
6. Final Touches:
Add the fresh parsley and thyme, seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to bring the final touches together.
7. Brighten Up the Dish:
Remove the skillet from the heat and finish off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This adds a bright flavor that really elevates the dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chickpeas warm, ideally with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice. This dish is comforting, hearty, and sure to impress!
This creamy, herby chickpea dish is easy, flavorful, and satisfying — a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special! Enjoy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. This typically takes about 1-2 hours of simmering, so be sure to plan ahead!
Can I Substitute the Coconut Milk?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use coconut milk, you can swap it with heavy cream for a richer texture or use almond milk for a lighter option. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly with different substitutions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on how long those vegetables need to become tender.
