Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that's usually made with seafood or meat. However, for vegetarians and vegans, there's a delicious alternative - Vegetable Paella. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. In this blog post, we'll share an easy and delicious recipe for Vegetable Paella that's sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced bell peppers and zucchini, and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the short-grain rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the vegetables and oil.
- In a separate pot, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the smoked paprika and saffron threads, and stir to combine.
- Slowly add the broth to the rice mixture, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the rice is cooked and the broth is absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional Values:
This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving has approximately 350 calories, 8g of fat, 64g of carbohydrates, and 7g of protein. Vegetable Paella is a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C.
How to Store It:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the paella or warm it on the stove with a splash of vegetable broth.
Tips on Making It:
- Use short-grain rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Customize the vegetables to your preferences. Try adding mushrooms, eggplant, or artichoke hearts.
- Add some protein by including chickpeas or tofu in the recipe.
- Use high-quality saffron for the best flavor.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.
What It Is:
Vegetable Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that's usually made with seafood or meat. This vegetarian and vegan version is made with a variety of colorful vegetables, short-grain rice, and flavorful spices like smoked paprika and saffron. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Vegetable Paella is a delicious and healthy meal that's easy to make at home. With this recipe, you can enjoy a traditional Spanish dish that's packed with flavor and nutrients. Customize the vegetables to your preferences, add some protein, and serve with a side of bread and salad for a complete meal. Give this recipe a try and see how delicious and easy Vegetable Paella can be!