Marry Me Chickpeas Vegan Twist

This flavorful and creamy marry me chickpeas recipe transforms the viral TikTok sensation into a delicious plant-based meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. The rich sauce combined with tender chickpeas creates a restaurant-quality dish right at home with minimal effort.

I created this recipe when my non vegan friends were coming over for dinner and wanted something impressive but easy. The moment they took their first bites, one friend literally proposed marriage to the chickpeas. Now it has become our favorite dinner party staple.

Ingredients

• Sun dried tomatoes: Provide intense umami flavor and sweet tanginess. Look for ones packed in oil for the best flavor
• Chickpeas: Create the hearty base. Drain and rinse thoroughly for the best texture
• Vegan cream: Gives luxurious richness. Homemade cashew cream works beautifully here
• Red chili flakes: Add gentle heat that balances the creaminess. Adjust to your spice preference
• Fresh basil: Brightens the entire dish. Use the freshest leaves possible for maximum impact
• Vegetable broth: Forms the sauce foundation. Use low sodium if watching salt intake
• Baby spinach: Adds color and nutrition. Choose bright green crisp leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the aromatics:

Heat olive oil over low medium heat and cook minced garlic for 1 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish and should smell heavenly.

Build the flavor base:

Add sun dried tomatoes with oregano, red chili flakes, salt and pepper, stirring constantly for 1 minute. The spices need to toast slightly to release their essential oils for maximum flavor development.

Create the creamy sauce:

Pour in chickpeas, vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream and spinach. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and simmer for about 5 minutes until warmed through and spinach has wilted. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly as it simmers.

Finish with fresh elements:

Remove from heat completely before adding fresh basil and optional vegan parmesan. Stirring these in at the end preserves their delicate flavors that would otherwise be diminished with prolonged cooking.

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The sun dried tomatoes are truly the secret ingredient here. I discovered their importance when I ran out once and tried to substitute with regular tomatoes. The dish was completely different without their concentrated sweet umami punch. Now I always keep a jar in my pantry specifically for this recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

This chickpea dish actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare the entire recipe up to three days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, so when reheating add a splash of vegetable broth or plant milk to reach your desired consistency. Gentle warming on the stovetop works better than microwave reheating to prevent separation of the creamy elements.

Perfect Pairings

These creamy chickpeas shine when served over a starchy base that soaks up the luxurious sauce. Crusty sourdough bread makes an excellent dipper, while fluffy jasmine rice creates a complete meal. For a lower carb option, serve over roasted cauliflower steaks or zucchini noodles. My personal favorite is ladling it over a split baked sweet potato which adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory sauce perfectly.

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes personalization based on what you have available. Short on time? Use roasted red peppers instead of sun dried tomatoes with no additional cooking needed. For extra protein, add a cup of white beans or crumbled tofu. Kale works beautifully in place of spinach but needs slightly longer cooking time. If you prefer a spicier version, double the red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of harissa paste to the oil at the beginning.

Historical Context

The original Marry Me Chicken earned its name from being so delicious it supposedly inspired marriage proposals. Its creamy sun dried tomato sauce became a viral sensation for good reason. This vegan adaptation maintains all the decadence while making the comfort food classic accessible to everyone. The dish draws inspiration from Italian cuisine with its Mediterranean flavor profile while incorporating modern plant based ingredients for a contemporary twist on tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned chickpeas for this dish?

Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before using.

→ What can I substitute for vegan cream?

You can use coconut milk, unsweetened plant milk, store-bought vegan creamer, or homemade cashew cream as substitutes for vegan cream.

→ How can I thicken the chickpea mixture?

Add a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water and stir it into the chickpea mixture.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, pasta, or even a baked sweet potato for a wholesome meal.

→ Can I use vegan chicken instead of chickpeas?

Yes, you can substitute chickpeas with vegan chicken, crispy baked tofu, or seitan for a delicious variation.