Smoky Paprika Vegan Paella

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some sunshine on a plate ? If you're looking for tasty vegan food , this Smoky Paprika Vegan Paella is where it's at. Honestly, it's a flavour explosion.

Brief Overview

Paella. It's basically the Spanish national dish. It originated in Valencia. This plant based paella is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It takes about an hour, and feeds 4-6.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this is that it fits a Vegan Mediterranean Diet . It's packed with veggies, making it a super healthy vegan food option.

Plus, this meat free paella recipe is so good, you could serve it at a dinner party. I honestly think this is the best easy vegan dinner recipes .

Growing up, paella was a celebration. My abuela used to make it for every single important family occasion. Making a vegan paella recipe is my little love letter to her! Now, Let's get cooking! The main ingredient is:

For the Paella:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (approx. 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped (approx. 150g)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped (approx. 150g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
• 1 cup Arborio rice (200g)
• 3 cups vegetable broth, hot (720 ml)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup frozen peas (120g)
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (150g) (canned or jarred in water, drained)
• ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved (75g)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Alright, bestie, let's talk about what you need to nail this Vegan Paella Recipe . Making tasty vegan food has never been so exciting!

Ingredients & Equipment Deconstructed

First off, we need to gather our bits and bobs. Honestly, some of these ingredients are kitchen staples. You probably already have them!

Main Ingredients

Let's keep it simple, yeah?

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) This is the base, so don’t skimp!
• Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (approx. 150g). Use a good quality one!
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, right?
• Bell peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow , chopped (approx. 150g each). Adds color!
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon . Seriously, get good stuff.
• Saffron threads: ½ teaspoon , crushed. This is what makes it paella!
• Arborio rice: 1 cup (200g). This soaks up all the flavor.
• Vegetable broth: 3 cups , hot (720 ml). Use good quality!
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 ounces/400g), undrained. Adds that tomatoey tang.
• Frozen peas: 1 cup (120g). Easy peasy.
• Artichoke hearts: 1 cup (150g), quartered, drained. Drain to remove some of the liquid.
• Kalamata olives: ½ cup (75g), halved. Adds a nice briny bite.
• Lemon: 1 , cut into wedges. For serving, of course!
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Always!
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy.

Looking for easy vegan dinner recipes ? This paella is perfect. It's also great if you're following a Vegan Mediterranean diet .

Seasoning Notes

Let's chat about spicing things up! Smoked paprika recipes vegan are where it's at. The smoked paprika is the key! Don't skip it.

Saffron is classic, but turmeric can give a similar color.

For a bit more oomph, chuck in some red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste! These small changes can transform any healthy vegan food .

Equipment Needed

Okay, gear time! You need a paella pan or a big skillet (12-14 inches). That's where the magic happens. No paella pan? No problem. A big frying pan works fine.

You also need a saucepan for heating the broth. That’s it! For some clean vegetarian meals , make sure your equipment is squeaky clean!

This plant based paella recipe is a winner. Even better, it's an amazing Spanish vegan food experience. It's a fun way to make meat free paella recipe . The socarrat is worth the effort!

Unleashing the Flavor: Mastering Vegan Paella

Hey everyone! Let's dive into making a killer Smoky Paprika Vegan Paella . You know, that Spanish dish that usually has seafood and meat? Well, we're flipping the script! This version is all about tasty vegan food , packed with veggies and smoky goodness.

I've made this so many times. Honestly? Each time is a little different but always delicious! This will soon be one of your favourite Easy vegan dinner recipes

Prep Like a Pro: Your Paella Power-Up

First things first: the mise en place . It's just a fancy way of saying "get everything ready"! Chop your onion, mince garlic, dice peppers.

Aim for about 25 minutes for prep. It's all about the flavor party, so don’t skip this. Oh my gosh, organization is key for a smooth cooking experience!

step-by-step to Paella Perfection

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your paella pan (or large skillet). Sauté chopped onion (150g) and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add cored and chopped bell peppers (150g red and 150g yellow) and cook until softened. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon saffron threads .
3. Stir in 1 cup of Arborio rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted.
4. Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes.
5. Pour in 3 cups of hot vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat.
6. Cook uncovered, without stirring, until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. The rice should be almost tender. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas , 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts , and ½ cup halved Kalamata olives .
8. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Listen for that delicious crackling sound that's the socarrat forming!

Pro Tips to Wow Your Mates

Never ever stir the rice! . Seriously, don't do it. This is essential for that crispy bottom layer. Smoked paprika is your best mate .

It adds an amazing depth of flavour. I also suggest to warm up the vegetable broth before adding it. This keeps the pan cooking at a consistent temperature.

Looking for healthy vegan food ? Well, look no further! You could even look to follow vegan Mediterranean diet principles to enhance your nutritional choices.

Vegan Paella: A Spanish Dream

So there you have it: your own Spanish vegan food adventure! Forget the meat, and focus on clean vegetarian meals .

Enjoy this plant based paella ! It's a fantastic meat free paella recipe . It has all the essence of Spain. Don’t forget that final touch of lemon and parsley.

Perfect for any occasion. Honestly, this vegan paella recipe will become your new go-to! It is the perfect way to put a twist on some smoked paprika recipes vegan

Recipe Notes for Your Spanish Fiesta

So, you're about to dive into making this Smoked Paprika Vegan Paella ? Awesome! Here are a few extra notes and tips to make sure your vegan meals turn out perfectly.

Honestly, even if you've never made paella before, you got this.

Serving Suggestions: Time to Plate it Up!

Presentation is key, you know? Think sunshine on a plate! Serve this tasty vegan food in the paella pan if you have one.

Garnish it generously with fresh parsley. Lemon wedges are a must. They add a zing that cuts through the richness.

For sides, I'd suggest a simple green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. Some crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all those yummy juices.

And if you’re feeling fancy, a pitcher of sangria will complete the Spanish vegan food experience.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the paella cool completely before storing it. Pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge. It'll keep for up to three days .

Freezing is an option, but the rice might get a bit mushy. If you freeze it, portion it out first.

This makes it easier to defrost only what you need. Reheat it gently in a pan with a splash of broth.

You can even microwave it, but it won’t be quite the same.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Want to switch things up? No problem! For a spicier plant based paella , add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or maybe a chopped chili pepper.

You can easily swap out the veggies based on what's in season. Asparagus or green beans work beautifully in spring.

Mushrooms are fantastic in autumn. You can even add some vegan chorizo for a protein boost. Boom, healthy vegan food in action!.

A total win for your Vegan Mediterranean diet .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This clean vegetarian meal is packed with goodness. It's a good source of fiber from the vegetables and rice. It’s relatively low in fat, and provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals.

The estimated calories are around 350 per serving (based on six servings). A bowl of easy vegan dinner recipes for a guilt free evening.

Did you know the smoked paprika in this recipe adds antioxidants? How cool is that?

Making Meat free paella recipe and vegan paella recipe is easier than you think! Don't be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, have fun!