Dirty Martini Chickpeas

5 from 5 ratings

These dirty martini chickpeas are everything you love about a dirty martini but in a cozy chickpea dinner form. If you’re looking for a quick, one-pan meal that feels a little fancy but takes just 20 minutes, this is the one!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: easy chickpea dinner idea, martini chicken, martini chickpeas, vegetarian chickpea recipes

Servings: servings

Author: Sarah Bond

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil 30 mL
2 cloves garlic minced
7 pitted Castelvetrano olives finely chopped
1 lemon 1 Tbsp of the grated zest, 2 Tbsp of the juice
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 Tbsp olive brine from the jar of olives, 30 mL
2 Tbsp gin or vodka 30 mL
2 15-oz cans chickpeas drained, 425 g cans
½ cup heavy cream 120 mL
Optional garnish: whole pitted olives and strips of lemon peel

Instructions

Flavor Base: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves garlic (minced), 7 pitted Castelvetrano olives (finely chopped), the grated zest of 1 lemon, and 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until garlic is fragrant.
Assemble: Stir in lemon juice, 2 Tbsp olive brine, 2 Tbsp gin or vodka, 2 15-oz cans chickpeas, and ½ cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook, uncovered, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until sauce has thickened and chickpeas are hot.
Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with olives and lemon peel. Serve with good crusty bread, over pasta, or with steamed veggies!

Video

Notes

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing: The cream can separate when frozen, so I don’t recommend it. Better to eat it fresh!

Can I make this without alcohol? Absolutely! Just skip the gin/vodka and add an extra splash of olive brine to keep the depth of flavor.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream? Use coconut milk, cashew cream, or a plant-based heavy cream alternative for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition