Vegetable Paella
A traditional Spanish dish originating from the Valencia region, now adapted to feature a vibrant array of vegetables, cooked to perfection in a large skillet.








4.5 / 5 (802)
Ingredients
Rice and Spices
- Spanish rice
1 cup
- Saffron threads
a pinch
- Smoked paprika
1 teaspoon
- Salt
1 teaspoon
Vegetables
- Artichoke hearts
1 can
- Red bell pepper
2 pieces
- Onion
1 medium
- Mushrooms
1 cup
- Zucchini
1 medium
- Cherry tomatoes
1 cup
- Garlic
3 cloves
Oils and Liquids
- Olive oil
2 tablespoons
- Vegetable broth
2 cups
- Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Begin by heating the olive oil in your paella pan or a large skillet. Ensure the oil covers the bottom of the pan to prevent the rice from sticking.
- 2
Sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms until they're softened.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook until these vegetables are softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- 3
Add the red bell pepper and cook until it starts to soften.
Introduce the sliced red bell pepper into the pan and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to soften. Remember to stir from time to time.
- 4
Add the artichoke hearts, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
Now, add the canned artichoke hearts, sliced zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Let them cook together for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to slightly tenderize.
- 5
Add the Spanish rice, saffron, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir to combine.
It's time to add the Spanish rice, saffron threads, smoked paprika, and salt to the pan. Make sure to stir well so that the rice and spices are evenly distributed throughout the vegetable mixture.
- 6
Add the vegetable broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. This step is crucial as it allows the rice to cook properly and absorb all the flavors.
- 7
Simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the paella simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The rice should be cooked, and the liquid should be completely absorbed. If necessary, adjust the cooking time, but ensure the rice is not overcooked.
- 8
Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Once the paella is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the rice to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
507
4
193
3
73
2
29
1
0
Reviews
- Gio_Rossi
Oh my goodness, I am absolutely in love with this Vegetable Paella recipe! The combination of vibrant vegetables, rich Spanish rice, and the magic of saffron threads is just *everything* I love about Mediterranean cuisine. The fact that it's lactose-free and can be easily adapted to gluten-free by using gluten-free vegetable broth makes it a perfect fit for my dietary needs. I particularly adored the simplicity of the steps, although I did find that I needed to stir the rice a bit more frequently than instructed to prevent it from sticking to the pan. The flavors all melded together beautifully, and the addition of lemon juice really brought out the brightness of the dish. I must say, I was a bit skeptical about the long cooking time, but the end result was well worth the wait. The only thing that kept me from giving it a full 5 stars is that I felt it could benefit from a side of a fresh, herby sauce - perhaps something with a mix of Italian parsley, basil, and a squeeze of lemon? Overall, a delightful and satisfying recipe that I would eagerly recommend to all my fellow vegetarian foodies out there!
- SofiDK96
I'm absolutely chuffed to bits with this veggie paella recipe - it's a real game-changer for a flexitarian like myself! The fact that it's made with a variety of vibrant, plant-based ingredients is a huge plus. I love how the Spanish rice, artichoke hearts, and cherry tomatoes all come together to create this beautiful, flavorful dish. The use of saffron threads and smoked paprika really gives it that extra oomph, you know? The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that I wish there were more Nordic-inspired twists to the recipe. Maybe some locally-sourced mushrooms or a sprinkle of fresh dill? That being said, this paella is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in, and it's pretty easy to make, too. Just be sure to use a non-stick pan and stir occasionally to prevent burning. On a more serious note, I appreciate how this recipe encourages us to think about sustainable eating and reducing our environmental footprint. By choosing seasonal, plant-based ingredients, we can make a real difference in the way we live and interact with the planet. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try - your taste buds and the planet will thank you!
- RJenkz
just tried out this vegetable paella recipe and gotta say, its pretty solid! i mean, whos gonna complain about a whole lotta veggies and spanish rice? not me, thats for sure. only thing thats missin is some meat, maybe some chorizo or chicken to give it a Lil more flavor. but for a veggie dish, its def on point. the saffron and smoked paprika give it a nice twist. only thing thats a bit of a bummer is all the work you gotta put in, all them ingredients and steps can be a bit overwhelmín. still, its a sick meal and id def make it again. prolly gonna add some meat next time tho, just sayin
- AishP89
I approached this Vegetable Paella recipe with a hint of curiosity, being accustomed to the rich flavors of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The instructions were easy to follow, and I appreciated the attention to detail, which aligns with my meticulous nature. The use of saffron threads and smoked paprika did evoke a familiarity with the warm, aromatic flavors I enjoy in my favorite dishes. However, I found the recipe to be somewhat minimalist in terms of spice complexity, which is a departure from the layered flavors I typically appreciate. The final product was flavorful, with the combination of artichoke hearts, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes providing a pleasant sweetness. While it didn't necessarily wow me, it was a satisfying vegetarian option. To take it to the next level, I would consider adding more depth to the spice blend, possibly incorporating elements like cumin, coriander, or a hint of cinnamon to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- EliKlein85
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by this vegetable paella recipe. As someone who prefers simple, yet hearty dishes, I was delighted to find that this recipe offers a satisfying and filling meal. The combination of flavors and textures is well-balanced, and the use of saffron threads and smoked paprika adds a nice depth to the dish. I appreciate that the recipe is not overly sweet or spicy, which suits my taste preferences. However, I would have liked to see some suggestions for dairy-free alternatives, given the moderate lactose intolerance I have. Nonetheless, I found the recipe to be well-structured and easy to follow, making it a great option for a weekday dinner. The cooking time is a bit longer than I typically prefer, but the end result is well worth the effort. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying vegetable dish.
- RoSingh07
I try this Vegetable Paella recipe, it is nice but not very exciting for me. I missing spicy taste, like from India. I add some chilli flakes, it help a little. The dish have many vegetable, which is good for healthy, but I prefer with chicken or lamb. I think it need more flavor, maybe some garam masala or cumin. But I learn some new things, like how to cook Spanish rice with saffron. It is interesting. I give 3 star, because it is okay, but not my favorite.
- RyderJaxx
I've gotta say, this veggie paella is a total game-changer! As someone who's trying to cut back on meat, it's dope to see a traditional Spanish dish get a plant-based twist. The combo of artichoke hearts, red bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes is straight fire, and the fact that it's all cooked in a large skillet makes it feel super festive. The addition of saffron threads, smoked paprika, and lemon juice takes the flavor to the next level. My only reason for not giving it a full 5 stars is that I'm a huge seafood lover, and I think some shrimp or mussels would take this paella to the next level. But hey, that's just me being a conflicted flexitarian. Overall, this recipe is a solid win for the taste buds and the planet - major props for that!
- CMW88
Upon perusing the Vegetable Paella recipe, I must commend the effort to modernize a traditional Spanish dish by incorporating a myriad of vibrant vegetables. However, as a non-vegetarian individual who has a penchant for robust flavors often found in Cantonese cuisine, I am uncertain whether this creation would cater to my personal inclinations. The absence of spicy components is undoubtedly a welcome aspect, given my distaste for such flavors. Despite this, I fear that the dish might lack a certain depth, a characteristic that I have grown accustomed to in dim sum and roast goose. The execution appears to be relatively complex, necessitating attention to detail and adequate skill in kitchen management. Ultimately, while this recipe exhibits promise, I must reserve a neutral assessment, pending an actual culinary attempt to fully comprehend its viability.
- LeilaLulu95
I made this Vegetable Paella recipe and it was very nice. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not very familiar with Spanish cuisine. The dish was full of flavors and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. I especially liked the combination of artichoke hearts, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. However, I think it would be better if there was an option to add some halal sausage or chicken to the recipe, as it would make it more similar to the shawarma I am used to eating. Also, the dish could benefit from a side of sweet baklava or kunafeh for dessert. Overall, I am happy with the result and I would recommend this recipe to others.
- YaraAK90
I am absolutely delighted to have encountered this enchanting Vegetable Paella recipe. As a vegetarian who greatly appreciates the rich flavors of exotic spices, I found this dish to be utterly captivating. The combination of aromatic ingredients such as saffron threads and smoked paprika has truly elevated this traditional Spanish delicacy to a whole new level. I must commend the author for the meticulous details provided in the preparation steps, which I believe will facilitate an effortless cooking experience for anyone attempting to prepare this mouthwatering paella. Furthermore, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the author for not including sesame seeds in the recipe, as this has enabled me to safely indulge in this delectable dish. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to all my fellow vegetarian friends and family members who appreciate a harmonious blend of flavors and spices.
- SofiaTheGreat22
I'm not gonna lie, I was hyped to try this veggie paella and it mostly delivered. The lack of shellfish was a big plus for me, 'cause, ya know, allergy and all that. The flavors were on point, with a nice balance of smokiness from the paprika and a subtle tang from the lemon juice. The addition of artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes was a great choice, and the Spanish rice cooked to perfection. However, I gotta deduct a star 'cause it's no Danish kringle, and let's be real, if I'm being completely honest, I was low-key hoping for some sort of Scandinavian twist. Still, I'd totes make this again, maybe with some rye bread on the side for a fun fusion twist? All in all, a solid 4/5 stars from this flexitarian foodie.