If you've heard of Marry Me Chicken, you already know the drill: rich, creamy, bold flavors that make anyone fall in love at first bite. But here’s the plant-powered twist — introducing Marry Me Chickpeas. This dish is vegan-friendly, ready in about 30 minutes, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a velvety cream sauce that clings to every bite of hearty chickpeas.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests, this recipe proves that chickpeas can be seductive, too. And yes — it's so good, it just might get you a proposal.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup canned coconut milk or plant-based cream (or heavy cream if not vegan)
- ¼ cup grated vegan parmesan (or regular parmesan if not vegan)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Cooked rice, pasta, couscous, or crusty bread (for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Make it creamy
Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk (or cream). Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the parmesan
Stir in the grated vegan parmesan and mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve and garnish
Spoon the creamy chickpeas over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.
🍽️ Estimated Nutrition per Serving (without sides)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: Will vary depending on cream and parmesan type used.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
- Creamy upgrade: Add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast for more umami depth if you're keeping it vegan.
- Herb it up: Fresh thyme or rosemary works well if you want to swap the oregano.
- Serve it over: Polenta, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even stuffed in a baked sweet potato.
- Store & reheat: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.
✨ My Personal Take
There’s something romantic about this dish — from the rich, golden sauce to the sun-dried tomatoes that feel like a taste of Italy. It’s hearty, it’s wholesome, and it doesn’t compromise on flavor just because it’s meat-free. Whether you're a lifelong vegan or just exploring meatless Mondays, Marry Me Chickpeas is a recipe that’ll win hearts and leave people asking for seconds (and maybe your hand in marriage).
Bonus: it’s easy enough for a beginner cook but fancy enough to serve to someone special. ❤️
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