Description
Marry Me Chickpeas
Ingredients :
1 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp red chili flakes
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup vegan cream
2 cups baby spinach, sliced
4-5 basil leaves, chopped
Optional: ½ cup grated vegan parmesan cheese
Directions:
In a large pan, heat olive oil over low-medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, mixing until combined.
Pour in vegan cream and add sliced spinach, stirring until spinach begins to wilt.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently until thoroughly warmed, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chopped basil leaves and, if desired, sprinkle vegan parmesan cheese on top.
Serve immediately with crusty bread for scooping and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Kcal: 294 | Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Ingredients: Mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil, drain and rinse the chickpeas, and slice the spinach. Having everything ready is key for this quick recipe.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In your large pan, heat the olive oil over low-medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Bloom the Spices: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir and cook for 1 minute to unlock their full flavor.
4. Combine the Base: Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Mix well until the tomato paste is fully dissolved into the broth.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the vegan cream and add the sliced spinach. Stir continuously until the spinach just begins to wilt into the sauce.
6. Simmer and Finish: Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Top with vegan parmesan if using.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta. It also makes an excellent filling for a warm wrap or pita.
How-to Summary
Quickly sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes with spices. Add chickpeas, broth, and tomato paste. Stir in vegan cream and spinach, simmer until warmed through, and finish with fresh basil. A simple, one-pan vegan meal ready in under 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use coconut milk instead of vegan cream? Yes, full-fat canned coconut milk will work, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes? You can use 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste or 1/4 cup of roasted red peppers for a different but still delicious twist.
Can I make this oil-free? Yes. Sauté the garlic and tomatoes in a few tablespoons of vegetable broth or water instead of oil.
How can I make it gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth and vegan cream are certified gluten-free brands.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the Garlic: Sauté over low-medium heat only until fragrant. Burnt garlic will make the dish bitter.
- Overcooking the Spinach: Add the spinach last and only wilt it. Overcooked spinach becomes slimy and loses its vibrant color.
- Using the Wrong Pan: Use a large, wide skillet or sauté pan. A small pot will steam the ingredients instead of sautéing them properly.
- Skipping the Simmer: Don’t rush the final 5-minute simmer. This step is crucial for the sauce to thicken and the flavors to combine.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is the ultimate proof that vegan comfort food can be luxurious, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. With its creamy tomato sauce, hearty chickpeas, and vibrant spinach, it’s a satisfying one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Its versatility and ease make it a perfect dish for both busy evenings and impressing dinner guests.