Description
Spanish culinary magic comes alive in this vegetarian paella, blending Mediterranean flavors with colorful vegetables and aromatic saffron rice. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a memorable meal that invites you to savor each delicious, herb-infused bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 4 spring onions
- 1 green pepper
- 1 tomato
- 8 Padron peppers
- 120g (4.2 ounces) green beans
- ½ bunch parsley
Protein and Grain Base:
- 250g (8.8 ounces) cooked brown rice
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 pinch saffron
- 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) vegetable stock
- 1 handful of mixed olives
- 1 lemon
- 1 lemon wedge (for serving)
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Carefully char spring onions in a dry, high-temperature skillet for 2-3 minutes until slightly blackened. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.
- Finely mince the garlic, onion, green pepper, tomato, and parsley stalks into uniform, small pieces.
- Pour one tablespoon (15 milliliters) of olive oil into the same skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped vegetables and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
- Introduce halved padron peppers to the skillet and cook for 7 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a slight caramelization.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add green beans. Cook for exactly 3 minutes, then promptly drain and reserve.
- Integrate the cooked brown rice into the vegetable mixture, raising the skillet’s temperature to enhance flavor development.
- Dissolve a pinch of saffron in hot water, then pour the infused liquid into the pan. Add vegetable stock and simmer until the liquid completely evaporates, which typically takes 10-15 minutes.
- Fold in a handful of mixed olives, freshly grated lemon zest, and squeeze lemon juice for brightness.
- Gently incorporate the previously cooked green beans, charred spring onions, and fresh parsley leaves.
- Plate the dish and garnish with an additional lemon wedge for serving.
Notes
- Prep ahead by organizing and chopping ingredients, creating a seamless cooking rhythm that transforms meal preparation into an enjoyable experience.
- Saffron transforms the dish with its luxurious golden hue, infusing each grain with a rich, aromatic warmth that whispers of Mediterranean traditions.
- Charring vegetables in a dry pan unlocks deep, caramelized flavors that add complexity and depth to every delicious bite.
- Brown rice introduces a robust, nutty undertone while packing the paella with extra nutritional goodness and hearty texture.
- Fresh herbs sprinkled at the final moment burst with vibrant color and zesty brightness, lifting the entire dish with their clean, garden-fresh essence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: UK
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg