This Marry Me Chickpeas dish is not just easy to make, it’s also packed with flavor! You throw everything in one pot and let it cook. How simple is that?
Plus, the creamy chickpeas, savory spices, and a hint of romance will leave you feeling cozy. Perfect for a quick dinner that impresses without the fuss!
I love how it takes just one pot to create a tasty meal. It’s great for busy weeknights, and you can even add your favorite greens for an extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: The star of the dish! Chickpeas provide a great source of protein and fiber. If you’re looking for a change, try using canned or cooked lentils for a different texture or flavor.
Coconut Milk: I love coconut milk for its creamy consistency. You can easily swap it for heavy cream if you prefer a non-vegan option. For a lighter version, use low-fat coconut milk or even almond milk.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich, tangy flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, freshly diced tomatoes or a touch of tomato paste can work too. Just adjust the cooking time so they soften nicely.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is fantastic for this dish, but you can use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Frozen spinach also works well; just thaw and drain it before adding!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Spices?
Building flavor in this dish is key, and it starts with sautéing the garlic and onions. Here’s how to do this right:
- Heat the olive oil and add minced garlic and chopped onions. Cook slowly over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Sprinkle in dried oregano and chili flakes. This allows their flavors to bloom. Just a quick 30-second toast releases their aromatic goodness!
- Add chickpeas and sun-dried tomatoes right after. Stir and let them soak in the flavors for a couple of minutes before adding liquids.
Taking your time here will make a big difference in how well the spices shine through in your finished dish!
How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas Easy One-Pot Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk (or heavy cream for non-vegan)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Time Needed:
This delicious one-pot dinner will take you about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick meal ready in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Base:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. This will create a nice base for your dish and help sauté the aromatics.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the hot oil. Sauté them together until they’re fragrant and the onion turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step helps build that yummy flavor!
3. Add Spices:
Stir in the dried oregano and chili flakes. Cook for an additional 30 seconds—this will release the aromatics of the spices and make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Mix in Chickpeas and Tomatoes:
Add the drained chickpeas and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Stir until they are well coated with the oil and spices.
5. Pour in Liquids:
Next, pour in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and vegetable broth. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. The coconut milk will create a creamy texture for your sauce.
6. Let it Simmer:
Let the dish cook for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to blend together beautifully.
7. Add Fresh Greens:
Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and let it cook until just wilted, which should take around 2 minutes. This adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition!
8. Season to Taste:
Season your dish with salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice to brighten up all those delicious flavors.
9. Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your creation with freshly chopped parsley for that finishing touch!
10. Serve:
Serve your warm Marry Me Chickpeas alongside crusty bread to soak up all the tasty sauce. Enjoy!
This one-pot dinner is creamy, comforting, and packed with protein and greens for a wholesome meal! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ for Marry Me Chickpeas Easy One-Pot Dinner
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the dish. It will take more time, but you’ll enjoy the enhanced flavor!
How Can I Customize the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of chili flakes or leave them out entirely. You can also substitute with bell peppers or just a pinch of paprika for a milder flavor.
What Are Some Good Substitutes for Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes or even a tablespoon of tomato paste. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything blends well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips while cooking this delicious meal!
