Description
Marry Me Chickpeas is a comforting, flavor-packed dish where tender chickpeas simmer in tomatoes, warm spices, and aromatics. Finished with fresh spinach, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a simple yet satisfying plant-based meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup vegetable broth or water
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, to taste (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juices, salt, black pepper, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
Notes
Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or dairy-free cream at the end.
Top with crumbled feta for a richer flavor if not keeping the dish vegan.
Serve over rice, quinoa, couscous, or with crusty bread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
