Fideus a la Cassola with a Twist

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) thin noodles 250g (8.8 oz) thin noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced bell peppers and zucchini to the pot, and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried thyme. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Add the thin noodles to the pot and mix well with the vegetables and spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6. 6.
   Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente and have absorbed most of the broth.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Noodles — Be careful not to overcook the noodles as they can become mushy. Cook them until they are al dente for the best texture.
• Smoked paprika — Use a good quality smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier version, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chorizo to the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrusy flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, but the noodles may become softer.

Serving advice

Serve the Fideus a la Cassola hot as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color to the dish. Serve it in individual bowls or a large communal dish for a rustic and inviting presentation.