Name: Vegan Paella Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 5 persons
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 4 cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth; 1 teaspoon Saffron Threads; 3 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 medium Onion, diced; 2 stalks of Celery, diced; 1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 Green Bell Pepper cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 5 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 pound Green Beans, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 large Tomato, diced; 1 1/2 cups Bomba Rice (you can also use Arborio Rice); 1 cup pitted Black Olives, sliced; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika; 1/2 teaspoon Sweet Paprika; 1 teaspoon Sea Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme; 1 Lemon, cut into wedges (optional); 1/4 cup fresh Parsley leaves (optional)

Front shot of Vegan Paella in a skillet on top of wooden board

Most people are intimidated by Paella because they think it's too difficult to make. However, paella is a thing of beauty that's extremely easy to prepare. It's made with fresh onions, garlic, peppers, celery, tomatoes, green beans, Bomba rice, and short-grain pearl-shaped rice. With a unique golden color, smoky flavor, lots of fresh vegetables, and a nutty aroma, it's time to gather your friends or family around the dinner table and enjoy this delicious vegan meal.

Equipment Needed

Chef's Knife

Cutting Board

Foil

Large Cast Iron Skillet

Author: Sarah Leadon

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Serves

5 persons

Ingredients

4 cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth
1 teaspoon Saffron Threads
3 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 medium Onion, diced
2 stalks of Celery, diced
1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 Green Bell Pepper cut into 1/2-inch pieces
5 cloves Garlic, minced
1 pound Green Beans, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large Tomato, diced
1 1/2 cups Bomba Rice (you can also use Arborio Rice)
1 cup pitted Black Olives, sliced
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/2 teaspoon Sweet Paprika
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
1 Lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
1/4 cup fresh Parsley leaves (optional)

Instructions

To a medium saucepan, add vegetable broth and saffron. Set the mixture over medium-high and allow it to come to a simmer. Wait 1 minute, then decrease the heat to medium-low to keep the broth warm.

To a 12-inch paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium-high heat.

Add the onions, celery, and bell peppers when the olive oil is hot and cook them for 3-5 minutes until the onions soften.

Next, add the garlic and cook it for 1 minute.

Add the green beans, tomatoes, smoked paprika, and sweet paprika and cook it for 1-2 minutes.

Stir in the Bomba rice and the tablespoon of oil and stir to cook the rice in the oil. Cook the paella for 1 minute until it's lightly toasted.

Add the fresh thyme and gradually add to the broth. Stir in the salt and pepper. Do not stir the paella after adding the seasoning. If you stir the paella, it will release its starches and give the rice a creamy texture.

Let the paella come to a rolling simmer for 1-2 minutes, and turn the heat to medium-low heat. The paella should be at a mild simmer.

Cook the paella for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender. Make sure you rotate the pan a few times to ensure the heat is distributed evenly and the paella is evenly cooked.

Once the broth is evaporated, keep a close eye on the socarrat or the rice's golden crust that will form on the bottom of the pan. It should start to make a snap, crackle, and pop sound and release a nutty scent.

The socarrat should take about 1-2 minutes to form. If the paella smells like it's starting to burn, remove it from the heat immediately.

You can check to see if the socarrat is forming by placing a fork or spoon at the bottom of the pan. If the socarrat does not form, there's no need to worry. It could be the pan you are using, the fat content, or the heating unit. Your paella will still be delicious with or without the socarrat.

Remove the paella from the fire, add the olives and cover the paella with foil, and let it sit for 5-8 minutes.

Remove the foil from the paella and add the lemon wedges and parsley if desired before serving.