Ingredients
– 2 cups Bomba or Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Creating Spanish Vegetarian Paella can be an enjoyable and rewarding process when you follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth. Add saffron threads to infuse the broth with flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large paella pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
3. Add Peppers: Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Incorporate Green Beans and Zucchini: Add the green beans and zucchini, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
5. Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the rice in the oil and vegetables.
6. Add Broth: Pour the infused vegetable broth into the pan. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
7. Cook without Stirring: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and let it cook for about 20 minutes without stirring.
8. Add Tomatoes: After 20 minutes, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the rice. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
9. Let it Rest: Once the paella is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
10. Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g