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Spanish Vegan Paella

Savory Spanish Vegan Paella with Crispy Socarrat Delight

This Spanish Vegan Paella is a vibrant celebration of flavors and colors, perfect for dinner or gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 8 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be substituted with any vegetable oil.
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth (Low Sodium) Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 pinch Saffron Threads Can swap with turmeric if needed.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped; can substitute shallots.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Diced; use any type of bell pepper.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced or crushed.
  • 1 medium Tomato Diced; canned tomatoes can be used.
  • 2 cups Bomba Rice Can substitute with Arborio rice.
For the Flavoring
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Can swap with regular paprika.
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika Regular paprika can also be used.
  • to taste Sea Salt Adjust according to preference.
  • to taste Fresh Cracked Pepper Can be omitted.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Use dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
For the Final Touch
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thaw before adding.
  • Garnish (Optional) Lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Equipment

  • Large Paella Pan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium saucepan, warm 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth on low heat, adding a pinch of saffron threads. Stir gently to help the saffron dissolve and infuse its flavor into the broth.
    Spanish Vegan Paella
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, cooking for about 3 to 5 minutes until they soften.
    Spanish Vegan Paella
  3. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute before incorporating diced tomatoes and your blend of smoked and sweet paprika.
    Spanish Vegan Paella
  4. Add 2 cups of bomba rice, stirring constantly for 1 minute to lightly toast the rice. Make sure to coat each grain with the aromatic vegetable mix.
    Spanish Vegan Paella
  5. Carefully pour the warm vegetable broth over the toasted rice and vegetables. Season with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. Do not stir. Bring to a simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
    Spanish Vegan Paella
  6. When the liquid is nearly absorbed and the socarrat has developed, scatter thawed frozen peas over the top without stirring. Cover the pan with foil or a kitchen towel and let it rest for 5 to 8 minutes off the heat.
    Spanish Vegan Paella
  7. After resting, remove the foil and fluff the paella gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve the paella straight from the pan.
    Spanish Vegan Paella

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 100mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

No stirring after adding broth is essential for authentic socarrat.

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