Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Marry Me Chickpeas Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience designed to make your weeknights easier and your taste buds sing. Here’s why these Marry Me Chickpeas will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:

• A Tantalizing Vegan Spin on a TikTok Favourite. There’s something truly special about taking beloved viral trends and transforming them into accessible, delicious plant-based creations. This recipe does just that, offering all the allure of the “Marry Me” concept without any animal products. It’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to incorporate more wholesome, plant-forward meals into their diet. You’ll be amazed at how well chickpeas capture the hearty satisfaction of the original.
• Incredibly Quick and Effortless to Prepare. Life is busy, and complicated recipes often get pushed aside. This dish is specifically crafted for ease, coming together in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss. If your pantry is reasonably stocked, your grocery list will be remarkably short, making it an ideal choice for impromptu dinners or when you simply don’t have much time to spare. It’s a true weeknight hero!
• Luxuriously Creamy, Richly Flavored, and Absolutely Delicious. The magic of this recipe lies in its exquisitely balanced flavors and textures. The harmonious combination of aromatic garlic, sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce, creates an unforgettable culinary symphony. Every spoonful is a burst of Mediterranean-inspired goodness, promising a mouth-watering meal that will delight everyone at the table – even the pickiest eaters. This is the kind of dish that brings people together and has them asking for seconds!

Essential Notes on Ingredients for Marry Me Chickpeas

Crafting the perfect Marry Me Chickpeas begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips. For precise quantities and step-by-step instructions, make sure to scroll down to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Sun-dried tomatoes – These are the flavor powerhouse of the dish, providing a concentrated sweet and tangy depth. If you opt for the oil-packed variety, remember to drain them thoroughly before chopping to avoid an overly oily sauce. Using some in the sauce blend and some sautéed adds layers of flavor.
• Nutritional yeast – Often referred to as “nooch,” this ingredient is crucial for imparting a lovely, savory, and slightly cheesy umami flavor to our rich vegan sauce without any dairy. It’s a staple in plant-based cooking.
• Raw cashews – These nuts are the secret to achieving that incredibly smooth, luxurious, and creamy texture in your sauce. It’s vital to soak them in hot water for at least 15 minutes prior to blending; this softens them significantly, ensuring they break down into a perfectly silky consistency without any grittiness. For those with nut allergies, raw sunflower seeds can be a great alternative.
• Vegetable broth – This liquid forms the base of our sauce, adding fundamental savory notes. While any good quality store-bought broth works, I highly recommend using my homemade vegetable broth made from veggie scraps for an even deeper, fresher flavor.
• Olive oil – A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing our aromatics and building the foundational flavors. For an even richer, more buttery taste, you can substitute it with vegan butter.
• Onion and garlic – These are the classic aromatic duo that lay the groundwork for a truly flavorful dish. Finely dicing the onion allows it to soften and become translucent, while minced garlic releases its pungent, wonderful aroma. They are critical for building the deep, satisfying flavor of these Marry Me Chickpeas.
• Dried Italian herbs, garlic powder and onion powder – These dried spices amplify the overall taste, providing a consistent herbaceousness and enhancing the natural flavors of the fresh garlic and onion. They contribute to the comforting, well-rounded profile of the sauce.
• Chickpeas – The star of our vegan show! Canned chickpeas are incredibly convenient. Always remember to rinse and drain them well before adding to the skillet to remove excess sodium and improve their texture. They absorb the rich sauce beautifully.
• Coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk – This is another key player in achieving the signature creamy, indulgent texture of the sauce. Coconut cream, being thicker, will yield a richer sauce, but full-fat coconut milk works wonderfully too. Ensure you use the full-fat variety, not the light version, for the best results.
• Sea salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out and balance all the other flavors. Always taste and adjust to your preference at the end.
• Vegan parmesan cheese – An optional but highly recommended addition that introduces another layer of savory, slightly salty, and umami richness. You can easily use a good quality store-bought vegan parmesan (Violife is a personal favorite) or try making my simple homemade vegan parmesan cheese for a truly fresh touch.
• Fresh basil – Do not skip this! Fresh basil offers a vibrant, peppery, and sweet aroma that cannot be replicated by its dried counterpart. It’s the final flourish that brightens the entire dish and truly ties the “Marry Me” flavors together. Chop it just before serving to maximize its fresh impact.

Crafting Your Marry Me Chickpeas: A Step-by-Step Guide

This delightful dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping vegan dinner. I’ve included helpful step-by-step photos with abbreviated instructions below. For the complete, printable instructions and ingredient measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card.

• Start the Sauce Base. In a high-speed blender, combine your pre-soaked and drained cashews with ½ cup of vegetable broth, two whole sun-dried tomatoes (these contribute to the rich color and flavor), and the nutritional yeast. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is exceptionally smooth and creamy, ensuring no cashew lumps remain. This forms the luxurious, dairy-free base of your “Marry Me” sauce. Set this vibrant blend aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil (or vegan butter for extra richness) in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and become translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, stir in the minced garlic, the remaining chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices have bloomed, creating a deeply aromatic foundation for your dish.

• Simmer to Perfection. Incorporate the rinsed and drained chickpeas, the rich cashew mixture you prepared earlier, and the full-fat coconut cream (or coconut milk) into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the chickpeas are well coated and the sauce is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to cook for approximately 10 minutes. This simmering time is crucial as it allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, and the sauce to thicken to its perfect creamy consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Before removing from heat, stir in the vegan parmesan cheese (if using) for another 2 minutes, allowing it to melt and integrate into the sauce, adding a final layer of savory goodness. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
• Garnish and Serve. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are perfectly harmonized, remove the skillet from the heat. Generously garnish your Marry Me Chickpeas with freshly chopped basil. The vibrant green of the basil not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor that truly elevates the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chickpeas

The rich, creamy sauce of these Marry Me Chickpeas is truly the star, and you’ll want something wonderful to soak up every last bit. I find that serving these chickpeas over fluffy brown rice, light and airy perfectly cooked quinoa, or my flavorful homemade cauliflower rice makes for a fantastic and satisfying meal. Each of these options provides an excellent canvas for the sauce. Alternatively, embrace the Mediterranean feel by serving your Marry Me Chickpeas with a generous side of warm, crusty bread. My easy no-knead bread or savory olive bread would be absolutely divine for dipping and ensuring no creamy goodness is left behind. You could also serve them alongside some roasted asparagus or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Your Marry Me Chickpeas

One of the many benefits of this recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week.

• Refrigerator: Any leftover Marry Me Chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a period of up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day!
• Freezer: For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Transfer the cooled chickpeas to an airtight, freezer-safe container, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Explore More Delicious Chickpea Recipes

Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and a staple in plant-based cooking. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other fantastic chickpea-focused dishes that are just as flavorful and satisfying:

• Chickpea Panzanella Salad
• Vegan Spicy BBQ Chickpea Pizza
• BBQ Chickpea Tacos with Kale Cabbage Slaw
• How to Make Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
• Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad

Ingredients

Instructions 

Notes

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