This Marry Me Chickpeas dish is a tasty and spicy meal that is sure to steal your heart! Made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices, it’s both fun and filling.
Honestly, this dish is so good that you might just want to marry your plate! 😂 I love how quick it is to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights when I crave something special but simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: The star of this dish! Canned chickpeas are super convenient. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can use dried chickpeas, but remember to soak and cook them beforehand. They might take longer but have a wonderful texture.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: They add a punch of flavor. If you can’t find them, try using fresh tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers for a different twist, but keep in mind that the flavor will vary.
Coconut Milk: This ingredient makes the dish rich and creamy. If you prefer, you can substitute it with heavy cream for a richer texture or even vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the dish. For a different green, you could use kale or even frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
How Do You Make the Perfect Spicy Sauce?
The heart of this recipe lies in making a flavorful sauce. Start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil until softened, which builds a base of flavor. Then, add your spices – smoked paprika and cumin – to let them bloom. This process really helps develop the depth of your sauce.
- Ensure the heat is medium to avoid burning the garlic.
- Once the spices are added, cook for just a minute to activate their flavors, then add your chickpeas and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Finally, be sure to simmer the sauce; this allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Marry Me Chickpeas – Easy Spicy Chickpea Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for creaminess)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Marry Me Chickpeas recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them until they’re fragrant and the onions turn translucent, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally!
2. Toast Your Spices:
Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and red chili flakes. Cook everything together for an additional minute. This will allow the spices to release their fantastic flavors!
3. Add Chickpeas and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to introduce the chickpeas and the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir them in well and cook for about 2 minutes until they’re heated through.
4. Pour in the Sauces:
Pour in the tomato sauce and your choice of coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir the mixture continuously while bringing it to a gentle simmer.
5. Let It Cook:
Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally as it thickens slightly and the flavors blend beautifully.
6. Add Spinach:
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach has wilted down.
7. Season to Taste:
Finally, season your dish with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Marry Me Chickpeas hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy this rich, spicy, and creamy chickpea dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! If you prefer dried chickpeas, make sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the dish. This will take more time, but it can enhance the flavor and texture!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To adjust the spice level, simply reduce or eliminate the red chili flakes if you prefer a milder dish. You can also add more chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce if you like it extra spicy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan if you use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Just make sure all your ingredients, like tomato sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, are vegan-friendly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through.
