Description of this recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas is a luxuriously creamy and flavorful vegan dish, inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken.” This plant-based adaptation replaces chicken with hearty chickpeas, bathed in a sun-dried tomato and garlic-infused creamy sauce. Packed with protein and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this dish is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to impress.
Why you will love this recipe: You will adore Marry Me Chickpeas because it’s an unbelievably delicious, comforting meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. It offers all the richness and satisfaction of a creamy, decadent dish without any of the dairy or meat. It’s a versatile recipe that works beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option or an impressive dish for special occasions. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a flavor profile that’s both robust and inviting, while the creamy sauce and tender chickpeas deliver a satisfying texture that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s customizable – you can easily adjust the spice level or add other vegetables to suit your preferences. It’s quick, easy, vegan, and unforgettable!
Introduction
In the realm of comfort food, few dishes rival the allure of creamy, savory creations. The now-famous “Marry Me Chicken” has captured hearts with its rich sauce and tender chicken, sparking a trend of adaptations and variations. For those seeking a plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or indulgence, Marry Me Chickpeas is the answer. This recipe takes the essence of the original dish – the creamy sauce, the sun-dried tomato intensity, and the aromatic herbs – and transforms it into a vegan masterpiece featuring protein-packed chickpeas.
Marry Me Chickpeas is more than just a vegan adaptation; it’s a culinary experience that stands on its own. The creamy sauce, made luscious with vegan cream, coats the chickpeas, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of concentrated sweetness and umami, while the garlic, oregano, and red chili flakes contribute layers of savory complexity. Fresh spinach adds a touch of freshness and vibrancy, and a generous sprinkle of fresh basil and vegan parmesan cheese elevates the dish to new heights.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, easy, and plant-based meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply curious about exploring plant-based cuisine, Marry Me Chickpeas is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire. Prepare to fall in love with this creamy, comforting, and unforgettable vegan delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- (2) 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream (see notes)
- 2 cups baby spinach, sliced
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (I used Violife)
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over low-medium heat. Ensure the pan is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably, preventing overcrowding and ensuring even cooking. Gently warm the oil, allowing it to coat the pan evenly.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the heated olive oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to the dish. The aim is to gently infuse the oil with the garlic’s aromatic essence.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes will soften slightly and release their intense sweetness, while the herbs and spices will infuse the oil with their aromatic notes. This step is crucial for building the foundation of the dish’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and vegan cream to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the chickpeas are evenly coated in the sauce. The vegetable broth adds moisture and depth of flavor, while the tomato paste contributes a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes. The vegan cream provides the luxurious creaminess that is characteristic of this dish.
Step 5: Add the sliced spinach. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The spinach will quickly wilt as it comes into contact with the heat, adding a touch of freshness and vibrant color to the dish. Once the spinach has wilted, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to be tailored to your individual taste preferences.
Step 6: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and optional grated vegan parmesan cheese. The fresh basil adds a final burst of herbaceous aroma and flavor, while the vegan parmesan cheese contributes a salty, umami-rich note that elevates the dish to new heights.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Marry Me Chickpeas is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- With Crusty Bread: Serve the chickpeas with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. This is a classic and comforting way to enjoy the dish.
- Over Cooked Rice: Spoon the chickpeas over a bed of cooked rice for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Brown rice, quinoa, or wild rice would also be excellent choices.
- With Pasta: Toss the chickpeas with your favorite pasta shape for a hearty and flavorful pasta dish. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni would all work well.
- On Top of a Baked Sweet Potato: For a healthy and delicious meal, top a baked sweet potato with the Marry Me Chickpeas. The sweetness of the sweet potato complements the savory flavors of the dish beautifully.
- As a Filling for Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the chickpea mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. This is a creative and visually appealing way to serve the dish.
- As a Side Dish: Serve Marry Me Chickpeas as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled vegetables, roasted tofu, or a simple salad.
Tips:
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the red chili flakes altogether.
- Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The quality of the sun-dried tomatoes will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Opt for sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Cook the garlic over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and aroma to the dish. If fresh basil is not available, you can substitute it with dried basil, but use a smaller amount (about 1 teaspoon).
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water, then stir it into the chickpea mixture.
- Make it Ahead: Marry Me Chickpeas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.
- Add More Vegetables: For an even heartier meal, consider adding other vegetables to the dish, such as chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 294 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
Conclusion
Marry Me Chickpeas is a vegan revelation, proving that plant-based cuisine can be both indulgent and satisfying. This creamy, flavorful dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it to impress a date, feeding your family a wholesome meal, or simply treating yourself to a comforting bowl of goodness, Marry Me Chickpeas is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Embrace the creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato magic, and prepare to fall in love with this unforgettable vegan delight. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas?
- Absolutely! Dried chickpeas will add a slightly more intense flavor and require a bit more planning. Soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas overnight, then drain and cook them until tender (about 1-1.5 hours). You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas for this recipe.
- I don’t have vegan cream. What can I substitute?
- No problem! You have several options. Full-fat coconut milk (the creamy part from the top of the can) works well for richness. Unsweetened
