Marry Me Chickpeas

Ready to fall in love with a dish so good it’ll make you propose? Meet Marry Me Chickpeas, a creamy, dreamy, delicious recipe that combines big Mediterranean flavors with a rich cashew cream sauce. Perfect for impressing, a night in, or a healthy meal packed with plant-based goodness. This yummy recipe is gluten-free, oil-free, vegan, and ready in under 30 minutes.

This recipe makes four servings and pairs well with whole-grain pasta or brown rice.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chickpeas”

The name “Marry Me” comes from the big and comforting flavors of this dish. Like the famous “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, this vegan version swaps the chicken for chickpeas and a cashew-based sauce. It’s so good it’ll make someone propose!

What You'll Need

1. Chickpeas
2. Cashews
3. Low-sodium vegetable broth
4. Garlic
5. Sundried tomatoes (dry-packed)
6. Coconut aminos
7. Oregano
8. Smoked paprika
9. Crushed red pepper flakes
10. Black pepper
11. Tomato paste
12. Lemon
13. Plain, unsweetened coconut milk
14. Fresh spinach
15. Fresh basil
16. Optional: vegan parmesan cheese

How to Make Marry Me Chickpeas

Prepare the Cashew Cream Sauce

If you haven't soaked the cashews, add them to a small pot with water and bring to a gentle boil for 2 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and let them sit for 5 minutes in the hot water to continue to soften. Then, drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender with low-sodium vegetable broth, lemon juice, and plain unsweetened coconut milk. I love using my Nutribullet for this. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. I like using a seasoned cast-iron or nonstick skillet for this, but any skillet will work. Add garlic and, if necessary, a splash of water to keep the garlic from sticking. Gently cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add oregano, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and black pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Add Other Base Ingredients

Stir in the tomato paste and coconut aminos. Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas and stir to coat the chickpeas in the tomato paste and other seasonings.

Pour in the cashew cream sauce and stir to incorporate. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chickpeas should be heated through. Also, the sundried tomatoes will soften and absorb some of the liquid. This will also help to thicken the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick for your liking, add a little vegetable broth.

Wilt the Spinach and Finish with Basil

Add baby spinach to the skillet and wilt for 2-3 minutes. Stir in basil for a fresh finish. Salt to taste.

Serve and Enjoy!

Remove and serve. Garnish with extra basil or smoked paprika if you like. Or sprinkle a little vegan parmesan cheese. Serve whole-grain pasta or brown rice for a complete meal.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Tips for a Successful Marry Me Chickpeas

1. Soak the Cashews: Soaking the cashews properly is key to a smooth, creamy sauce. If you’re short on time, boil the cashews for 2 to 4 minutes.
2. Adjust the Heat: Adjust the red pepper chili flakes to your heat tolerance. You can omit it for a milder version.
3. Good Sundried Tomatoes: Use fresh sundried tomatoes in the dry pack. They will rehydrate in the sauce, or you can soak them in hot water before adding to the skillet if you prefer them more soft.
4. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil takes it to the next level. If you don’t have it, use parsley or cilantro.

Variations

1. Add More Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
2. Substitute the Spinach: Use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula instead of spinach.
3. Substitute Tofu: Instead of chickpeas, you could use extra firm tofu. Cube or slice the tofu and cook it in the air fryer or oven for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up before cooking it with the sauce.
4. Toppings: Add vegan parmesan cheese.

Health Benefits of This Marry Me Chickpeas

• Chickpeas are a rich source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate.
• Cashews are healthy plant fats, magnesium, and zinc and add to the richness of this creamy sauce.
• Fresh spinach and basil contain vitamins A, C, and K and antioxidants.
• Sundried tomatoes are a concentrated source of lycopene, an antioxidant that’s good for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marry Me Chickpeas is the ultimate comfort food that’s plant-based and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for someone you love, a group of friends, or just yourself, this recipe will win hearts and have everyone asking for more. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out for you.