Marry Me Chickpeas 💖🌱

$- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh - 1 cup coconut milk - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish Gathering the right ingredients sets you up for success. Start with two cans of chickpeas. Rinse and drain them well. This helps remove excess sodium. Next, chop one medium onion finely. This onion adds a sweet flavor when cooked. Mince three cloves of garlic for a great aroma and taste. For spices, you will need ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, and ground coriander. Each spice gives depth to the dish. Use one teaspoon of cumin and smoked paprika. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric and one teaspoon of coriander. You will need one cup of diced tomatoes. You can use either canned or fresh tomatoes. Next is one cup of creamy coconut milk. This adds richness to the dish. Don’t forget two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil for cooking. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Add one cup of fresh spinach, roughly chopped. This will add color and nutrients. Finally, use two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness. You can garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. This adds a nice touch and flavor. With these ingredients, you create a warm, inviting dish that pleases everyone. Enjoy the process and the flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heating olive oil and sautéing onions Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds a great base for flavor. 2. Adding garlic and cooking until fragrant Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to be golden and fragrant, which adds depth to the dish. 3. Incorporating spices for enhanced flavor Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground coriander. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices. Cook for another minute. This step brings out the spices' full flavor. 1. Adding diced tomatoes and simmering Pour in 1 cup of diced tomatoes, either fresh or canned. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes. This helps the tomatoes break down and blend with the spices. 2. Pouring in coconut milk and stirring in chickpeas Gradually add 1 cup of coconut milk. Then, stir in 2 cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Mix everything well, so the chickpeas soak up the flavors. 3. Seasoning and letting it simmer Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. 1. Stirring in fresh spinach Add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Stir it in and cook until it wilts, which takes about a minute. This adds color and nutrition to the dish. 2. Adding lemon juice and garnishing Finally, pour in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This brightens the flavors. Serve the chickpea medley warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for a lovely touch. To get the best flavor, start with the onions. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. This step softens the onion and brings out its sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells amazing. This step is key to building a strong base flavor. For depth, mix in the spices. While the garlic is cooking, add cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and coriander. Stir them in for about a minute. This will help release their essential oils and enhance the dish's overall taste. Serving your dish well can make it even more appealing. Use shallow bowls for an elegant look. When you serve, drizzle a bit of coconut milk around the edges. It adds a nice touch and makes the dish pop. Garnishing is crucial. I love adding fresh cilantro or parsley on top. It not only looks great but also boosts the flavor. You can even add a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest. You can easily customize the seasoning to fit your taste. Start with the basic amounts of salt and pepper, then adjust as needed. If you like it spicy, try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes. For variations, think about alternative ingredients. Swap out chickpeas for lentils or black beans for a twist. You can also experiment with different types of tomatoes, like fire-roasted or cherry tomatoes. Each choice brings a new layer of flavor to your dish. Pro Tips Enhance the Flavor: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. This kick will elevate the dish and complement the spices beautifully. Texture Variation: For added crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving. This will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy chickpeas. Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or mint instead of cilantro or parsley. This can give a refreshing twist to the dish and enhance its aromatic profile. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make a larger batch to enjoy leftovers or use it as a filling for wraps or grain bowls! {{image_4}} You can change the chickpeas to other legumes. Black beans or lentils work well. You can also use kidney beans for a different taste. Each swap brings a new twist to this dish. Try different types of tomatoes. You can use diced fresh tomatoes or even cherry tomatoes. If you like, you can swap the coconut milk for almond or oat milk. Each milk brings its unique flavor. Making this dish vegan is simple. Just stick to the original recipe. It is already dairy-free and full of plant-based goodness. For a gluten-free option, check your spices to ensure they are gluten-free. Want more protein? You can add cooked chicken or tofu. Both options blend well with the flavors. Just cut them into small pieces and mix them in during cooking. You can add spices from different cultures for fun. Consider adding curry powder for an Indian flair. Or try za'atar for a Middle Eastern twist. Both will change the flavor profile in exciting ways. You can also adapt this dish to fit your culture. For example, adding fresh basil or oregano can give it an Italian touch. Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs from your own kitchen. To keep your Marry Me Chickpeas fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let the dish cool first. This step helps prevent condensation. In the fridge, it stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep it creamy. You can freeze Marry Me Chickpeas for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool the dish completely. Then, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm it on the stove, adding a bit of coconut milk if needed. Make a big batch of Marry Me Chickpeas for easy meals. You can serve them with rice or quinoa. They also work well in wraps or salads. For a twist, mix them into soups for added flavor and nutrition. This dish is versatile, making meal prep simple and fun! Marry Me Chickpeas are a fun, modern dish. They mix flavors from many cultures. The dish highlights chickpeas, a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber. They have been used in meals for centuries. This dish blends spices like cumin and paprika, adding warmth and depth. It connects people through shared meals, making it special. Yes, you can use dried chickpeas! Start by soaking them overnight in water. This helps soften them. After soaking, drain and rinse them. Cook the dried chickpeas in boiling water for about 1-2 hours. They should be tender and cooked through. You can then use them in the Marry Me Chickpeas recipe just like the canned version. To boost the heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. Mix in a teaspoon with the spices. If you like it hotter, add more! You can also use fresh chili peppers. Slice them thin and add them with the onions. For a different kick, try a few dashes of hot sauce before serving. Each option will give your dish a nice spicy twist! This blog post offers a detailed guide on making Marry Me Chickpeas. You learned about the needed ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to enhance flavor and presentation. I shared variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers effectively. These insights help create a delicious dish that suits your taste. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and share it with friends and family. Simple cooking can bring joy and flavor to your meals. Happy cooking!$

A flavorful chickpea dish with spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk, perfect for a warm meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, and ground coriander. Stir well to coat the sautéed onions and garlic in the spices, cooking for another minute to enhance their flavors.
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, allowing the mixture to cook for roughly 5 minutes. This will help the tomatoes break down and the mixture to reduce slightly.
Gradually pour in the creamy coconut milk, then add the rinsed chickpeas, stirring them well into the tomato-spice mixture to ensure they are fully incorporated.
Season the concoction with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Allow it to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about a minute. Finally, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the dish.
Serve the chickpea medley warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top to add a vibrant touch.

Notes

For an added flair, serve in shallow bowls and drizzle a touch more coconut milk around the edges for an elegant look.

Keyword chickpeas, coconut milk, spices, vegan