Get ready to fall in love with these Easy Marry Me Chickpeas! This dish is loaded with flavor from garlic, spices, and creamy tahini that makes every bite amazing.
Trust me, once you taste these chickpeas, you’ll want to make them all the time! They’re delicious on their own or perfect for topping salads. Who could resist? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: The star of the dish! You can use canned chickpeas for convenience, but dried chickpeas work too. Just soak and cook them beforehand. I always keep canned ones on hand for quick meals.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: They add a rich, tangy flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers in a pinch. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
Coconut Milk: This gives creaminess to the dish. You can substitute heavy cream if you prefer. For a lighter option, use almond or soy milk, but it won’t be as rich.
Tahini: It adds a nutty flavor and creaminess. If you’re out, nut butter like almond or peanut can work, but the taste will be different.
How Do I Sauté Garlic Perfectly Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic needs some care since it can burn easily. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat to get the oil hot without overheating.
- Add minced garlic and stir it constantly for about 1 minute.
- Watch it closely! You’re looking for a golden color, not brown, which means it’s done.
Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so this step is crucial for a perfect flavor base!
Easy Marry Me Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a cozy, creamy meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, and cumin powder to the skillet. Stir everything well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the spices release their flavors.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the coconut milk and add the tahini. Mix everything together to form a creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
4. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2 minutes. It’ll brighten up the dish and add some nice color!
5. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your chickpea dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish is fantastic with crusty bread or served over rice.
Enjoy your flavorful and creamy Marry Me Chickpeas! They’re bound to make anyone swoon! ❤️
FAQ for Easy Marry Me Chickpeas
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! Just soak the dried chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. This will give you about 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like it hot, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or even add fresh chopped chili peppers. You could also incorporate some cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
What if I Don’t Have Tahini?
No problem! If you’re out of tahini, you can substitute it with almond butter or peanut butter, but keep in mind it will give a different flavor. You can also omit it altogether and add a bit more coconut milk or cream for creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
