Vegetable Paella

Vegetable Paella

4 servings
Vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan, vegetable paella takes inspiration from the traditional Spanish rice dish but leaves out the meat for extra veggies instead.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 onion

    finely chopped

  • 1 red pepper

    quartered and sliced 1/2 inch thick

  • 1 thinly sliced red chile
  • 3 cloves garlic

    pressed

  • 1 medium tomato

    chopped

  • 1 1/2 c. Arborio rice

    or other medium-grain rice

  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tsp. sweet paprika
  • 1/2 c. dry white wine
  • 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 4 oz. trimmed green beans
  • Cilantro and lemon wedges

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in large cast-iron skillet on medium. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 minutes. Add red pepper and red chile and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Toss with tomato.

  2. 2

    Stir in Arborio rice. Push rice mixture toward edge of pan to create small opening; add tomato paste and sweet paprika and cook undisturbed 1 minute. Stir wine into mixture, incorporating rice and vegetables, and cook, stirring, until wine is absorbed, 3 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add 3 cups water, lemon zest and ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 11 minutes. Top with green beans and cook, covered, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, 4 minutes. Top with cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

Vegetable Paella

Vegetable Paella

35 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Looking for a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and caters to everyone? This Vegetable Paella is your answer, delivering a satisfying, meat-free Spanish-inspired dish in just 35 minutes.

What makes this paella truly special is its celebration of garden-fresh ingredients. By thoughtfully combining savory onion, bright red pepper, and a touch of spicy red chile with robust garlic and ripe tomato, you get a deeply layered flavor profile. The Arborio rice provides that classic creamy texture expected from a quality paella, while the sweet paprika adds warmth and color, making this naturally vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free dish a crowd-pleaser.

Prepare your senses for a truly inviting experience. You'll enjoy a fragrant, tender rice dish bursting with the sweetness of bell peppers, the subtle heat of chile, and the fresh earthiness of green beans. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of textures, from the toothsome rice to the slightly firm vegetables, all brightened by a delicate hint of lemon zest. It's a remarkably comforting yet light meal, perfect for any occasion when you crave something wholesome and full of character.

This versatile vegetable paella easily adapts to your pantry and preferences. Feel free to swap the red pepper for yellow or orange, or add other quick-cooking vegetables like peas, chopped zucchini, or artichoke hearts. If you don't have dry white wine, a good quality vegetable broth can be used for a similar depth of flavor. For an extra herbal note, a sprinkle of fresh parsley alongside the cilantro works beautifully.

Serve this beautiful paella hot, garnished generously with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of acidity. It makes a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special, or a delightful centerpiece for a casual gathering.

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