If you’re ever looking for a meatless meal to have for dinner, this is a fun one to try. There are so many flavors going on in paella, so it’s a really different kind of dinner to make and enjoy. I first tried this Vegetable Paella years ago when I was part of a gourmet dinner party group. One of the couples in our group hosted a Cuban Themed Dinner Party, and this paella was served alongside Sangria Roasted Pork.
What is Paella?
This is a popular rice dish with roots in Valencia, Spain. Some will say it’s known as the one of the best known dishes in Spanish cuisine. The word Paella means “frying pan” in Valencia’s regional language. So the name fits since since Paella is typically cooked in a wide, shallow traditional pan over an open fire. At home cooks, make paella on the stove instead. There are several variations of paella. Seafood paella is probably the most commonly known variety seen in restaurants and such. Mixed paella can be made too with both seafood and meat combined. And of course vegetable paella is the vegetarian version that I’m sharing today.
How to make Vegetable Paella:
On the stovetop, you’ll sauté mushrooms and then set them aside. In a separate large skillet, you’ll sauté garlic, onion and bell peppers. Then you’ll add Arborio rice (the same rice you use for risotto), crushed saffron and salt. At this point, you’ll add the broth and then cover the pan with foil. In the oven, the pan of rice and vegetables is baked for 8 minutes. Then you’ll take the pan out of the oven and stir in the sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, carrot, peas and tomato. The pan is covered again and baked for another 8 minutes. Then the foil is removed, and the paella is baked for another 10 minutes uncovered. Finally, the Vegetable Paella is topped with sliced olives and roasted red pepper. Lemon wedges are included for serving.
Vegetable Paella is a great dish to serve on its own with perhaps a delicious salad to accompany it. I love to serve it with grilled meat. And it’s one of those dishes that’s a nice surprise for your guests. They see the pan of this beautiful paella, and they are happy to try out something so unique and interesting. Give it a shot for dinner one of these days, and let me know what you think!
Here are a few more vegetarian recipes you might like to try:
Garden Vegetable Quiche Cacio e Pepe Creamy Broccoli Soup Vegetarian Baked Taquitos Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie Spinach- Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Greek Spinach Pie Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells
