Vegan Paella

Ingredients

While the original Spanish paella typically includes meat, seafood, and saffron, our vegan adaptation replaces these ingredients with plant-based alternatives. We use a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, artichokes, and peas, to create a colorful and nutritious dish. Additionally, we enhance the flavors with a blend of spices and vegetable broth, resulting in a satisfying vegan paella. We alse have the original recipe for Paella, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (200g) artichoke hearts, quartered 1 cup (200g) artichoke hearts, quartered
• 1 cup (200g) green peas 1 cup (200g) green peas
• 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice 2 cups (400g) Arborio rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving) Lemon wedges (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Add the cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and green peas to the pan. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the smoked paprika, turmeric, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices.
7. 7.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
8. 8.
   Allow the paella to cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
9. 9.
   Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the paella.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arborio rice — Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Artichoke hearts — If using canned artichoke hearts, make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the paella.
• Smoked paprika — Use a good quality smoked paprika for a rich and smoky flavor.
• Vegetable broth — Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Lemon wedges — Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the paella before serving adds a refreshing citrusy touch.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of liquid smoke to the vegetable broth.
• Customize your vegan paella by adding other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• To achieve a slightly crispy bottom layer of rice, let the paella cook uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
• Leftover vegan paella makes a delicious filling for wraps or a flavorful addition to salads.
• Serve the paella with a side of vegan aioli or plant-based yogurt for added creaminess.

Serving advice

Serve the vegan paella hot, straight from the pan, for an authentic and communal dining experience. Encourage your guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their portions to enhance the flavors. Pair it with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Present the vegan paella in the traditional paella pan, showcasing the vibrant colors of the vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green. Serve it family-style, allowing everyone to dig in and savor the aromatic aromas and beautiful presentation.