Vegetarian Paella
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6-8 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup arborio rice or other short grain rice
  • 1 tsp. turmeric or a pinch of saffron threads*
  • 1 tbsp. lemon zest
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
  • ½ tsp. salt + more to taste
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained (navy beans or great northern beans work well)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley + more for garnish
  • 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for a few minutes until tender. Add the garlic and cook for a few minutes more.
  2. Add the rice and stir for a few minutes to allow it to toast.
  3. Add turmeric (if using -- see note), lemon zest, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the wine and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bites from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add the beans, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and parsley and give a quick stir to combine, then don't stir again. Stirring the rice releases too much starch and will give you a creamier dish. Not stirring the rice will also give you a delicious crispy bottom to the rice.
  6. Note: if you're using saffron, heat the chicken broth in a small saucepan and add the saffron threads. Allow to dissolve before adding to the rest of the dish.
  7. Keep the paella simmering over low heat until the liquid is almost gone. Add the frozen peas to the top.
  8. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
*saffron is used in traditional paella, but is more expensive and not in all grocery stores. Turmeric gives you the signature color of paella for cheaper! If using turmeric, add it to your paella with the other spices. If using saffron, heat your chicken broth and dissolve the saffron into it.
Recipe by For the Love of Gourmet at https://fortheloveofgourmet.com/vegetarian-paella/