This Cheesy Marry Me Chickpeas recipe is a cozy delight! Made with chickpeas, creamy cheese, and simple spices, it’s sure to make your taste buds dance.
If you thought chickpeas were boring, think again! This dish can turn a regular dinner into a celebration. I love serving it with rice or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chickpeas: These are the star of the dish, packed with protein and fiber. If you’re looking for a change, you can substitute chickpeas with white beans or lentils for a different texture and flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They add a wonderful tangy flavor. If you don’t have them on hand, you could use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as fresh tomatoes may be milder.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for adding nutrients. If fresh isn’t available, try using frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional for this recipe. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream and nutritional yeast can give a creamy texture and cheesy flavor. You can also use vegan cheese if preferred!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
The right technique for making a creamy sauce is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Stir in the heavy cream slowly, allowing it to combine completely with other ingredients.
- When adding cheese, lower the heat and stir continuously. This helps melt the cheese evenly, preventing lumps.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or more cream to reach your desired consistency.
With these tips, you’ll have a beautifully creamy and inviting Cheesy Marry Me Chickpeas dish! Enjoy your cooking!
Cheesy Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Crusty bread or cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish can be made in about 25 minutes! With just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a warm and cheesy meal perfect for any day of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This will be the base of your flavor!
2. Add the Spices:
Add the minced garlic, red chili flakes, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Heat the Chickpeas and Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chickpeas and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and combine the flavors nicely.
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll want it to bubble lightly, which will create a luscious, creamy sauce.
5. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts down. It adds not only nutrition but also a vibrant color to the dish!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until everything melts together and the sauce becomes creamy and thick.
7. Season to Perfection:
Now, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to taste. Make sure to taste and adjust if necessary!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and a pop of color. Serve hot with crusty bread or over your favorite rice for a cozy, cheesy meal.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy Cheesy Marry Me Chickpeas! You’re in for a treat!
FAQ for Cheesy Marry Me Chickpeas
Can I Use Canned Chickpeas for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are quick and convenient. Just remember to drain and rinse them well under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or cashew cream works beautifully to maintain the creamy texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with fresh diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes might add more moisture, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if it thickens too much.
Feel free to ask more questions as you prepare this delightful dish!
