Marry Me Chickpeas

If you’re looking for a dish that is not only quick to prepare but also absolutely delicious, you’ve come to the right place! Marry Me Chickpeas is a dish that has become a favorite in my home. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends at a gathering. Trust me, this dish might just win over your loved ones—and maybe even get you a proposal!

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and 20 minutes on the clock, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for those busy nights when time is short.
• Family-friendly: The creamy tomato sauce and chickpeas are sure to please even the pickiest eaters around the table.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with whatever veggies or spices you have on hand.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare it in advance and reheat when you’re ready to serve—it tastes just as good!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This list has everything you need to create that creamy goodness.

For the Dish

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (30 g) sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (200 ml) vegetable stock
• 1 cup (200 ml) coconut milk
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves, roughly shredded
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Variations

One of the best things about Marry Me Chickpeas is how flexible it is! Here are some fun variations to keep things interesting:

• Add some greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Switch up the beans: Try using white beans or lentils instead of chickpeas for a different texture.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more red chili flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños.
• Serve it differently: Spoon over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal or enjoy it as a dip with pita chips.

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant—this should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it; we want all those lovely flavors to shine through!

Step 2: Spice It Up

Stir in the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and a pinch of ground black pepper. Let these cook together for another minute to release their aromas. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor of our dish.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste

Now it’s time to stir in the tomato paste. Combine it well with the spices and garlic; this will thicken our sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Next, add in those sun-dried tomatoes, fresh thyme, drained chickpeas, and vegetable stock. Bring everything to a simmer then cover with a lid and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Creamy Coconut Delight

Stir in the coconut milk and let it simmer for another minute before adding those lovely fresh basil leaves. The coconut milk adds creaminess while balancing out the acidity from the tomatoes—it’s simply divine!

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve your Marry Me Chickpeas immediately—you won’t want to wait long once that delicious aroma fills your kitchen!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chickpeas

Creating the perfect Marry Me Chickpeas is easy with these helpful tips that will take your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: The flavor of fresh garlic and herbs will significantly enhance the taste of your chickpeas, making them more aromatic and delicious.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red chili flakes. Conversely, for a spicier kick, feel free to add extra chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
• Experiment with coconut milk: Try using light coconut milk for a lower-fat version or full-fat for an ultra-creamy texture. Both options will give a different yet delightful richness to the sauce.
• Add veggies: Incorporating vegetables like spinach or kale during the last minutes of cooking can add color, nutrients, and extra flavor to your dish.
• Serve it warm: For the best experience, serve Marry Me Chickpeas hot! This helps maintain its creamy texture and brings out all the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Marry Me Chickpeas

Presenting your Marry Me Chickpeas can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game and impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil: A few extra leaves added on top right before serving enhance both presentation and flavor.
• Crushed red pepper: For those who love a little heat, sprinkling this on top adds a pop of color and spice.
• Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest provides brightness that complements the rich tomato sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and lemon dressing pairs wonderfully with the creamy chickpeas, balancing flavors and textures.
• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. It’s an easy side that everyone loves!
• Steamed broccoli: Adding some steamed broccoli not only makes your plate more colorful but also adds nutrients and crunch that contrast nicely with the creamy stew.
• Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a great base for soaking up the delicious sauce from the chickpeas.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Marry Me Chickpeas will be a hit at any dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Marry Me Chickpeas is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making your busy days a little easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chickpeas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best flavor, try to consume within 2-3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled chickpeas into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To avoid freezer burn, make sure to remove as much air as possible from bags.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave’s defrost setting.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Marry Me Chickpeas!

Can I make Marry Me Chickpeas without coconut milk?

Yes! If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use almond milk or another plant-based milk. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chickpeas?

These chickpeas are perfect on their own, but you can pair them with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How do I spice up my Marry Me Chickpeas?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth. You can also adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your heat preference.

Are Marry Me Chickpeas suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They store well in the fridge and freezer, making them a great choice for easy meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Marry Me Chickpeas recipe! It’s not just about delicious flavors; it’s about creating moments around food that bring people together. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, this dish is bound to impress. Happy cooking!