Are you in the mood for a warm and comforting meal that bursts with flavors? Our Vegetarian Paella recipe has got you covered! This dish is full of vibrant colors and textures that make it perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests. Not only that, but it's also packed with nutritious vegetables and aromatic spices that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Every once in a while, I enjoy making an extravagant recipe that takes all afternoon. This usually happens when there's not much else going on, and I feel like spending time in the kitchen making someone else's recipe for a change. (Truth be told, that doesn't happen often.)
A few weeks ago, I had the urge to make Paella which could have been a candidate for one of my all-afternoon cooking sessions. But sadly, this is most certainly not one of those times in my life when I don't have much going on.
Luckily, just because Paella can be fussy and involved doesn't mean it has to be!
Instead, I developed this Vegetable Paella which has all of the yumminess without requiring that you sacrifice your afternoon. In fact, this quick and easy paella comes together in about 45 minutes. (And much of that is hands-off cooking time.) Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Ingredients
- Avocado Oil: Feel free to swap it with olive oil or another vegetable oil of your choice.
- Large Yellow Onion: No yellow onions? No problem. Red or white onions can step in.
- Red Peppers: Bell peppers of any color will work, though each brings its own unique taste to the palette.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but there's nothing quite like the real deal.
- Saffron Threads: The golden spice that gives paella its iconic color and exotic aroma. This one is a bit tricky to substitute, but a pinch of turmeric can mimic the beautiful color, if not the unique flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice brings a smoky depth that's hard to replicate. If you’re out, try a combination of regular paprika and a tiny bit of chipotle powder.
- Bay Leaves: They add a subtle layer of complexity. If you don’t have any, a few pinches of thyme or oregano can provide a similar herbal background note.
- Salt and Pepper: The seasoning duo that needs no introduction. Adjust to your taste, and feel free to experiment with other spices as well!
- Vegetarian Yellow Rice: The star of the show, infused with flavors and that beautiful yellow hue. Using white rice with a teaspoon of turmeric is a great alternative to achieve a similar color and a hint of earthiness.
- Water or Vegetable Broth: Water keeps things simple, but vegetable broth adds an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand.
- Frozen Peas: These little green gems add sweetness and a tender bite. Fresh peas work just as well if they're in season and available to you.
- Artichokes: Canned or frozen artichokes are both fine.
- Green Olives: These bring a briny, vibrant kick. Capers could serve as a stand-in for that salty punch if needed.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best.
- Lemon Wedges and Parsley for Garnish: The finishing touches that bring fresh, uplifting notes. Feel free to get creative here – a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a dash of zest can also do wonders.
Step by Step
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Add onion, red pepper, garlic, saffron, paprika, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until onion is tender, about 8 minutes.
- Add rice and 2 ¼ cup water or broth. Simmer, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 18 minutes.
- Add peas, artichokes, and olives. Cook until rice is al dente, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice. Garnish with lemon and parsley.
Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Your Pan: While a traditional paella pan is ideal for achieving that iconic socarrat (the crispy rice bottom), don't fret if you don't have one. (I don't!) A wide, shallow skillet will do just fine. The key is surface area, so the more, the merrier!
- Saffron Is Your Best Friend: This might seem like a splurge, but a pinch of saffron not only imparts a beautiful golden hue but also gives your paella that authentic flavor profile. Remember, a little goes a long way!
- Vegetable Variety: The beauty of vegetarian paella lies in its versatility. Don't be afraid to mix in seasonal vegetables. Artichokes, peas, and bell peppers are my go-tos, but feel free to experiment with asparagus, green beans, or even mushrooms.
- Rice Matters: When it comes to paella, not all rice is created equal. Short-grain varieties like Bomba or Arborio absorb liquid beautifully without becoming mushy, giving you that perfect al dente texture.
- The Power of Broth: A flavorful vegetable broth can make or break your paella.
- Patience Is Key: Resist the urge to stir once you've added your rice and liquid. Letting the paella cook undisturbed is what creates that delightful crust on the bottom.
- Garnish Galore: Before serving, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley can brighten up your dish and add a pop of color. For an extra touch of authenticity, garnish with lemon wedges around the pan.
- Leftovers Makeover: If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, paella makes a fantastic base for fried rice the next day. Just add a bit more olive oil, sauté some additional veggies, and voilà!
Tools for Making the Vegetarian Paella Recipe
- Paella Pan or Oven-Safe Skillet with a Lid
- Knives
- Lemon Squeezer (optional)
- Garlic Mincer
More Vegetarian Recipes to Try
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Vegetarian Lasagna is a hug in a dish, perfect for those nights when only comfort food will do.
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese: Say goodbye to boxed versions and hello to creamy, dreamy, Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. It's a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering all the cheesy goodness you crave with none of the fuss.
- Brussels Sprouts Casserole: With a crispy topping and a creamy base that transforms veggies into a star.
- Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: These Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls are filled with a savory mix of grains and spices, all wrapped up in tender cabbage leaves.
Veggie Paella
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 red peppers sliced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 8 ounces vegetarian Yellow Rice or white rice + 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 ¼ cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas thawed
- 14 ounces artichoke chopped
- â…“ cup green olives chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Lemon Wedges and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat avocado oil in a large shallow skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper, garlic, saffron, smoked paprika, and bay leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Cook, occasionally stirring, until the onion is tender, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in rice mix and 2 ¼ cup of water or broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 18 minutes.
- Add the peas, artichoke hearts, and olives to the pan. Cook, without stirring, until the rice is al dente and forms a crust at the bottom of the pan, about 5 more minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
Notes
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE VEGETARIAN PAELLA RECIPE
- Use leftovers to stuff peppers! Hollow out the peppers and stuff. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 425 degrees, until the peppers start to blister.
VARIATIONS FOR THIS VEGETARIAN PAELLA RECIPE
- Add 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed when you add the peas.
- Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the onion.
Vasu Devan
The photos look so appetizing! It is great to know all the Vegetarian options available in Spanish cooking. Thanks.
Kerry
Absolutely YUM.
Monidipa Dutta
I am not a vegetarian but it really looks tasty. Worth a try.
Rikki Ridgeway
It looks like a delicious, and filling meal. I can't wait to get in the kitchen and try it for myself.
Heather
This looks like a beautiful dish! I am not a vegetarian but I don't do seafood so this works for me!
CARMEN | wellingtonworldtravels.com
I also thought Paella is complicated. Thank you for sharing a quick and easy recipe. This looks yummy.
Eveline McNeil
I always enjoy your recipes Wendy’s. I am anxiously waiting to try this new paella. Although I am not vegetarian, I am gluten free. I thoroughly enjoy all your vegetarian dishes. I do like to eat something different once in a while so I turn to your website for delicious recipes. I have not heard of VIGO products before..perhaps because I’m in Canada? Will certainly look into it because you never let us down..much appreciated!
Eveline McNeil
I always enjoy your recipes Wendy I am anxiously waiting to try this new paella. Although I am not vegetarian, I am gluten free. I thoroughly enjoy all your vegetarian dishes. I do like to eat something different once in a while so I turn to your website for delicious recipes. I have not heard of VIGO products before..perhaps because I’m in Canada? Will certainly look into it because you never let us down..much appreciated!
Deb C
Hi Wendy, I have followed your site for years and enjoyed many of your recipes...Thank you. This one for the vegetarian paella is the most interesting to me yet...so many different ingredients that I love but have never put together. We eat no meat suppers every Friday so I can hardly wait to make this one. I had no idea that Vigo had so many products, I love their rice!
Melanie Edwards
I'm going to try this recipe this week. Already have the ingredients added to my shopping list. Sounds delicious!
Stacey
These are no doubt beautiful and creative. I love paella. I’ve never had it without a protein like seafood or chicken and wonder if I’d feel satisfied.
CALLIE GOEDELMAN
LOVE VIGO products! They are deliciously seasoned. When I'm out of their Beef, Chicken or Ham soup bases, I order a box full from Vigo online.
Shanelle
This looks delicious! I’m a huge paella fan but never tried vegetarian version!
Anshika | www.thefoodroot.com
Love these vegetarian recipes! looks delish!
Judy
Oh, wow, this looks really good. We love Vigo products.
Maddalena Nava
This recipe looks really good. Will have to try the Vigo products.
Kay
Looks amazing! You take such good photos and your recipes look so appealing! Looking forward to reading more xx
Hope Hill
I am trying to incorporate more vegetarian dishes in our diet and this looks amazing! Vigo products look very interesting and would love a chance to give them a try. Will definitely be trying the paella soon. Will let you know how it turns out. Always love your recipes.
Claudia Albitre
That's a gorgeous dish! We do eat with our eyes!
Heather Luckhurst
This looks delicious! I'll be buying the yellow rice this weekend - right up our ally for a meal idea!
Terry Conour
I am looking forward to trying the yellow rice with some pork!
Romunda Ratliff
This looks simply delicious I’m sure I could make this easily! Thanks for the recipe!
Tim
We eat a lot of Vigo products. Their split pea soup is one of the best things I have ever tasted!!!