Arroz con Almejas

Arroz con Almejas is a delightful vegan twist on the classic Spanish rice dish, featuring tender, flavorful rice cooked with fresh clams and aromatic spices. This dish captures the essence of the Mediterranean, offering a satisfying meal that is both hearty and healthy.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Fresh clams - 200 grams (replace with vegan clams or mushrooms for a vegan version)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Shallot - 1, finely chopped
• Red bell pepper - 1/2, diced
• Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Saffron strands - a pinch
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it for 20 minutes.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing until translucent.
3. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the smoked paprika and saffron strands, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan, stirring to coat the rice with the oil and spices.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. While the rice is cooking, clean the clams thoroughly under running water. If using mushrooms, slice them.
8. After 15 minutes, add the clams (or mushrooms) to the rice, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the clams have opened (or mushrooms are tender).
9. Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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