Vegetable Paella: Spanish Royalty in Your Kitchen
Indulge, in the delectable world of Spain with our fantastic recipe for Vegetable Paella. This dish not pleases the palate but also promotes a healthy lifestyle capturing the lively essence of Spanish cuisine. It skillfully combines an assortment of vegetables, spices and perfectly cooked rice to create a symphony of flavors.
Perfect for both vegetarians and those who prioritize their well being our Vegetable Paella showcases how classic culinary traditions can be enjoyed in a nourishing and invigorating way. Whether you’re hosting a dinner gathering or adding some excitement to your meals this recipe takes you on a nutritious journey, through the heart of Spanish gastronomy.
Recipe: For Vegetable Paella
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Finely chop 1 onion
- Mince 4 cloves of
- Slice 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper
- Trim and cut 1 cup of green beans into 1 inch pieces
- Thaw 1 cup of frozen peas
- Dice 2 large tomatoes
- Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Optionally include half a teaspoon of saffron threads for an authentic flavor
Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Use either short grain paella rice or Arborio rice about two cups
Prepare four cups of vegetable broth
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Cut a lemon into wedges for serving
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a paella pan or a deep skillet, over heat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion turns translucent.
3. Add the yellow bell peppers, green beans and peas to the pan.
4. Cook for five minutes until vegetables reach desired tenderness.
5. Stir in tomatoes smoked paprika, saffron (if using) and thyme.
6. Allow flavors to meld by cooking for a two minutes.
Begin by adding the rice to the pan and stirring it gently to ensure it gets coated with the vegetable mixture.
Next pour, in the vegetable broth and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a stir making sure the rice is spread out evenly in the pan. Allow it to come to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the rice is cooked through and all the liquid has been absorbed. Remember not to stir it from this point as we’re aiming for that delightful toasted rice bottom known as ‘socarrat’ in traditional paella.
When cooking time is up remove the pan from heat. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let your paella rest peacefully for 10 minutes.
Now it’s time to fluff up your paella using a fork. Sprinkle some parsley on top for a touch of flavor. Don’t forget to serve each plate with lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy that twist.
Some tips; Opt for short grain rice as its ability to absorb flavors is superior, in this dish. For those who appreciate socarrat, you can turn up the heat slightly during the last minutes of cooking until you catch that enticing aroma of toasted rice at its base. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like artichokes, zucchini or mushrooms into your paella.
Try out the Vegetable Paella. Savor the taste of this plant-based rendition of the beloved Spanish dish that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!
FAQS
Resources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7353392/