The "Marry Me" dishes have taken the internet by storm, becoming a viral sensation on TikTok and other social media platforms. Originally popularized by the rich and creamy "Marry Me Chicken," this vegan version is equally irresistible.
With tofu, beans, and chickpeas as the star ingredients, this dish delivers a protein-packed, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or an easy weeknight dinner. Whether you're making it for a date night or simply to treat yourself, this "Marry Me Vegan" recipe is bound to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (e.g., cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for added flavor
This combination of ingredients will create a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Steps (One-Pot Method)
- Prepare the Tofu and Chickpeas:
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Sear the Tofu:
- Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear the tofu pieces until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced white onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices:
- Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add Beans and Chickpeas:
- Add the white beans and chickpeas to the pan, giving them a good stir to coat with the tomato paste mixture.
- Make It Creamy:
- Pour in vegetable broth and full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture. Stir well and let the mixture simmer on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
- Return Tofu to the Pan:
- Add the seared tofu back into the pan, combining it with the creamy bean and chickpea mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Fresh Lemon Juice and Basil:
- Just before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your "Marry Me Vegan" dish with crusty bread, pasta, or over a bed of your favorite grain. It’s perfect for soaking up all the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute tofu with other protein options like tempeh or seitan for a different texture.
- Beans: Use butter beans or kidney beans instead of white beans for a variation in flavor and texture.
- Greens: Add spinach or kale for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Marry Me Tofu!: Check this one out!
Substitutes
- Cream: Replace coconut cream with cashew cream or a dairy-free heavy cream for a creamy consistency. Blitzed cashews work well too!
- Parmesan: Nutritional yeast can be used instead of vegan parmesan to give a cheesy, umami flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use vegan butter or avocado oil as a substitute for olive oil.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. - Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! Just ensure all your ingredients, especially the vegetable broth and any seasonings, are certified gluten-free. - Can I use canned beans and chickpeas?
Yes, canned beans and chickpeas are convenient and work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before using.
Top Tip
For extra flavor, let the dish sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.
Hint
Serve with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of pasta to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
The Ultimate Vegan Marry Me Recipe
The "Marry Me" dishes have taken the internet by storm, becoming a viral sensation on TikTok and other social media platforms. Originally popularized by the rich and creamy "Marry Me Chicken," this vegan version is equally irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu pressed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz white beans (e.g., cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small white onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- Optional: 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for added flavor
Instructions
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear the tofu pieces until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced white onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add the white beans and chickpeas to the pan, giving them a good stir to coat with the tomato paste mixture.
- Pour in vegetable broth and full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture. Stir well and let the mixture simmer on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the seared tofu back into the pan, combining it with the creamy bean and chickpea mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve your "Marry Me Vegan" dish with crusty bread, pasta, or over a bed of your favorite grain. It’s perfect for soaking up all the creamy, flavorful sauce.
