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Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

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4.1 from 65 reviews

Marry Me Chickpeas is a quick and flavorful plant-based dish that combines tender chickpeas simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices. This easy skillet recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner served alongside rice or toasted naan. The vibrant mix of Italian and Cajun seasonings adds a deliciously unique twist to this comforting, nutrient-packed meal.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
  • 1 (7-ounce jar) oil-packed julienne sun-dried tomatoes, drained (about 1 cup)

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans reduced-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly torn

For Serving

  • Chopped fresh basil (optional)
  • Rice or toasted naan bread

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and sauté aromatics: In a deep, wide skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and minced garlic, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to break up the paste and release the flavors.
  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spices: Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well to combine the flavorful base.
  3. Simmer chickpeas and coconut milk: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the full-fat coconut milk to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. Cook and wilt spinach: Let the sauce simmer gently for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. The coconut milk should thicken slightly while remaining saucy. Add the baby spinach in small handfuls, allowing each addition to wilt before adding more.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt if desired. Serve the creamy chickpeas warm over cooked rice or with toasted naan bread.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Make sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas to reduce sodium and remove canning liquid flavor.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for best creamy texture; light versions may result in a thinner sauce.
  • Fresh basil adds a lovely herbal brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • This dish can be made vegetarian and vegan-friendly as written.