Creamy Chickpeas for Easy Dinner
Welcome to my kitchen! Today we’re diving into the world of Creamy Chickpeas – a quick, easy, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home.
Whether you’re looking for easy chickpea recipes, vegetarian dinner ideas, or simply craving a creamy garlic sauce, this recipe ticks all the boxes. With just a handful of ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for those seeking delicious and healthy homemade meals.
Ingredients for Creamy Chickpeas
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 medium bell pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable broth (as needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet and stir well to coat them with the spices and aromatics.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust the consistency by adding vegetable broth or water as needed.
- Remove from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice
- With Crusty Bread
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or your favorite protein.
- With Fresh Salad: Pair the creamy chickpeas with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a light olive oil dressing.
- As a Wrap or Sandwich Filling: Add some fresh greens, sliced tomatoes, and a dollop of yogurt or hummus for a delicious lunch option.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Alongside Quinoa or Couscous
If you’re curious about the nutritional benefits of chickpeas, you can read more about their health benefits in my recent blog post ⇓⇓⇓
Chickpeas: A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse in Your Pantry
Tips and Notes
- Garlic Infusion: For a stronger garlic flavor, crush garlic cloves rather than mincing them. Let them infuse in the olive oil over low heat before adding other ingredients.
- Creamy Texture: To achieve a creamier consistency, mash some of the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher before adding the broth and cream. This helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of cumin and paprika according to your preference for spiciness and smokiness. Start with the recommended amounts and add more if desired.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version.
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or basil for added depth of flavor. Add them towards the end of cooking or as a garnish for a burst of freshness.
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. Add them during the sautéing stage or towards the end of cooking.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast flakes to the sauce while simmering.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, you can! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in water, then cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! This dish reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative.
Q4: What can I serve with creamy garlic chickpeas? It can be served over rice, with crusty bread, alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables, or even as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Q5: Can I freeze creamy garlic chickpeas? While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Yes, feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes during the sautéing stage or towards the end of cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
Q7: How can I make the sauce thicker? To achieve a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the chickpeas with a fork before adding the broth and cream.
Q8: How can I enhance the flavor of creamy garlic chickpeas? For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast flakes to the sauce while simmering. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro also add brightness.
More Chickpea Recipes
Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with a Hint of Orange
One-Pot Chickpea Stew with Vegetables
Creamy Chickpeas in 30 Minutes
Equipment
- 1 cooking pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 medium bell pepper
- 1/4 tsp sweet paprika powder
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
- Vegetable broth (as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet and stir well to coat them with the spices and aromatics. Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust the consistency by adding vegetable broth or water as needed.
- Remove from heat and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!