This Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is a spicy delight! With tender chickpeas cooked in a mix of bold spices, it’s bursting with flavor and super easy to make. Perfect for a quick meal!
I love serving it over rice or enjoying it with pita bread. It’s so good, you might just want to marry it! Who knew chickpeas could be this fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient! If you’re feeling adventurous, dried chickpeas can be used. Just soak and cook them beforehand, which may take a little longer but adds great flavor.
Coconut Milk: I love the creaminess of coconut milk in this dish, but you can also opt for heavy cream or even a dairy-free option like cashew cream if you prefer. Each option brings a unique taste!
Spices: Smoked paprika is key for the delicious smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too; just know it won’t be as smoky. You could also play with different spices like curry powder or even chili powder if you like more heat!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrients and color. You can swap it with kale or Swiss chard if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to chop them coarsely for even cooking!
How Do I Make My Chickpeas Extra Flavorful While Cooking?
Getting the flavors right in this dish is all about the base. Start by sautéing your garlic and onion until they’re golden. This step builds the foundation of flavor!
- Heat the olive oil in the skillet before adding garlic and onion. Cook until they’re soft.
- Don’t skip toasting the spices with the veggies! This enhances the flavors wonderfully.
- Simmer the coconut milk and chickpeas together; this is where the magic happens! It allows the chickpeas to soak up all the delicious spice flavors.
- Last but not least, never forget to season properly with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to get it just right!
This approach creates a comforting and vibrant dish that is sure to please. Enjoy cooking your Marry Me Chickpeas!
Marry Me Chickpeas: Easy Spicy Chickpea Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (or sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: squeeze of lemon or lime juice for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Total time: approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds a great base flavor for your dish!
2. Toast the Spices:
Next, add in the diced red bell pepper (or sun-dried tomatoes). Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, and ground coriander. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will help release those wonderful spice flavors!
3. Add the Chickpeas:
Now it’s time to introduce the star of the show—chickpeas! Stir in the rinsed chickpeas, making sure they are well coated with the spice mixture. This is where the magic begins!
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in your choice of coconut milk or heavy cream, and stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Fold in the Spinach:
Toss in the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Season your dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Finish with Brightness:
If you’d like to add a bit of zing, squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over the dish right before serving. It really brightens up the flavors!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Lastly, garnish your delicious chickpeas with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve them warm alongside some crusty bread, rice, or pita for a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will love!
This creamy, spicy dish of tender chickpeas, smoky spices, and richness from coconut milk or cream, balanced with fresh greens, promises to be a winner. Enjoy your Marry Me Chickpeas!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Marry Me Chickpeas
Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead of Dried Chickpeas?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are convenient and save time. Just drain and rinse them before using. If you prefer to use dried chickpeas, make sure to soak and cook them in advance for the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, heavy cream is a great alternative for richness. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or almond milk, but note that the flavor may differ slightly.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian, and it can easily be made vegan by using coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Just make sure your vegetable broth (if you use it instead) is also vegan!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of water or additional coconut milk to maintain creaminess!
