Vegetarian Paella

This Vegetarian Paella is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines saffron-infused rice with a colorful medley of vegetables, offering a delightful taste of Spanish cuisine. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is both hearty and healthy, making it a great choice for vegetarians and rice lovers alike.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Green bell pepper - 1, diced
• Zucchini - 1, sliced
• Tomato - 1, diced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, chopped
• Frozen peas - 1/2 cup
• Saffron threads - 1/4 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon wedges - for serving

Steps

1. In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced red and green bell peppers, zucchini, and tomato to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the basmati rice, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and the saffron with its water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas on top of the rice without stirring. Cover again to allow the peas to steam.
7. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbs: 62 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from colorful vegetables.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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