I never thought chickpeas could be the star of dinner—until I tried whipping up a few of these recipes. Now, they’re like little golden nuggets of deliciousness in my kitchen! Whether you’re looking for something cozy or zesty, these dishes have got you covered.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over low-medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Add drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and sliced spinach to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Allow the dish to simmer for about 5 minutes, ensuring the spinach wilts and the mixture is heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil and grated vegan parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or over rice, pasta, or a baked sweet potato. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Two 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegan cream (such as cashew cream or coconut milk)
- 2 cups baby spinach, sliced
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated vegan parmesan cheese (e.g., Violife)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1764kcal | Carbohydrates: 198g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 90g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Sodium: 4140mg | Potassium: 4416mg | Fiber: 48g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 7386IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 498mg | Iron: 30mg
FAQ
- What is Marry Me Chickpeas?
- Marry Me Chickpeas is a plant-based twist on the popular Marry Me Chicken dish. It features chickpeas cooked in a luscious sun-dried tomato and garlic cream sauce, offering the same rich flavors without the use of meat or dairy.
- Why is it called Marry Me Chickpeas?
- The name comes from the dish’s irresistible combination of creamy sauce, Italian-inspired flavors, and hearty chickpeas, which are so delightful that they might just inspire a marriage proposal from anyone who tries it!
- What can I substitute for chickpeas in this recipe?
- If you’d prefer not to use chickpeas, canned cannellini beans or another type of white bean can be a good alternative. For a heartier option, consider using vegan chicken substitutes, homemade seitan, or baked tofu.
- How can I thicken a runny cream sauce?
- To achieve a thicker cream sauce, it’s recommended to use cashew cream for its luxurious consistency. If you are using store-bought vegan cream or coconut milk, which might be thinner, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water) towards the end of cooking to help thicken the sauce.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can either microwave the chickpeas and sauce or warm them on the stove in a saucepan until heated through.
Tips
- For a richer and thicker sauce, consider using homemade cashew cream instead of store-bought vegan cream or coconut milk. Simply soak raw cashews in hot water, then blend with fresh water until smooth.
- If the sauce turns out too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water, then stir into the sauce and simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
- To enhance the flavor, adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed to achieve your preferred level of spice and seasoning.
- Serve the Marry Me Chickpeas with crusty bread for dipping, or pair them with rice, pasta, or baked sweet potatoes for a hearty meal.
Equipment
- High-powered blender (for making cashew cream)
- Large sauté pan
