Description
A vibrant and hearty vegetarian paella featuring a variety of fresh vegetables, Arborio rice, and aromatic spices, including saffron. This colorful dish is perfect for a satisfying, plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio or short-grain rice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably warm)
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large, wide skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans; cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the Rice and Spices: Stir in Arborio rice, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Add the Broth and Saffron: Pour in vegetable broth and saffron (with soaking water). Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer the Paella: Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, avoiding excessive stirring to form the crispy “socarrat” layer. About 10 minutes in, add cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and peas. Continue cooking until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Rest the Paella: Once cooked, remove from heat, cover with a towel or foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or more spices to taste.
- Ensure not to stir too much during cooking to achieve the desired crispy bottom layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg