Marry Me Chickpeas are a fun and flavorful dish that’s super easy to make! With spices like cumin and paprika, these chickpeas are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
They’re perfect for snacking, tossing in salads, or as a topping for rice. Who knew chickpeas could be so irresistible? I love making a big batch—it’s hard to stop munching on them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas save time, but you can also use dried chickpeas. Just soak and cook them ahead of time. I love the convenience of canned, especially for quick meals!
Onion: A yellow onion works wonders for a sweeter flavor, but feel free to use shallots or green onions if that’s what you have. Each adds its touch!
Coconut Milk: This gives creaminess with a bit of sweetness. If you prefer a non-dairy option, almond milk can work, but the sauce might be less rich. Heavy cream is great if you’re not avoiding dairy.
Spinach or Kale: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in this dish, but kale is heartier and adds more texture. If you’re out of fresh greens, you can use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sauteed Vegetables?
Sautéing your vegetables correctly is key to unlocking their flavors. Start with medium heat to let them cook evenly.
- Heat your oil before adding the onions. You should hear a sizzle!
- Cook onions until they’re soft and translucent—this takes about 5 minutes.
- Next, add garlic and bell pepper—these need less time, around 2-3 minutes, just until soft and fragrant.
This method ensures your veggies are flavorful and not overcooked. Enjoy the layers of taste in your dish!
Marry Me Chickpeas – Easy Spiced Chickpea Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced (or you can use roasted red peppers as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for a creamy texture)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime (optional, to brighten the dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This incredible recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, so in total, you’ll be enjoying these delicious chickpeas in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dish to impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
First, heat the olive oil or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re nice and translucent. This step brings out their natural sweetness!
2. Add Garlic and Peppers:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook them together for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender. This is when your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
3. Spice It Up:
It’s time to add the flavor! Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili flakes, ground coriander, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything well to coat the onions and peppers with all those delicious spices.
4. Combine with Chickpeas:
Add the drained chickpeas to the pan and stir to mix them with the spiced onion and pepper mixture. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to help the flavors meld together.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the coconut milk or heavy cream and give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 5 minutes. You want it creamy but not too thick!
6. Add the Greens:
Fold in the fresh spinach or kale and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender. This adds a lovely color and nutrition to your dish!
7. Final Touches:
Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want to add a little brightness to the dish, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon or lime. It really makes a difference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Marry Me Chickpeas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if you like. This dish goes great with crusty bread, rice, or couscous. Enjoy every bite of this rich, creamy, and full-of-flavor dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before using them in the recipe. You’ll need about 1 cup of dried chickpeas, which yields approximately 2 cans once cooked.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes or add some diced jalapeños or hot pepper directly into the sautéed vegetables. You can also serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce on top for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, you can add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is flexible; you can add other veggies like zucchini, carrots, or even corn. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is cooked to perfection.
