Recipe Paella Vegetarian: Easy & Flavorful Plant-Based Dish

Paella is a vibrant and iconic Spanish dish known for its rich flavors and colorful presentation. Traditionally made with seafood, chicken, or rabbit, it’s also incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit a vegetarian diet without sacrificing any of its signature deliciousness.

This vegetarian paella recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and hearty rice, creating a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or simply looking to add more meat-free meals to your rotation, this recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of paella in a wholesome, vegetarian-friendly way.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making a flavorful vegetarian paella that’s colorful, nutritious, and bursting with Mediterranean flair. You’ll also find helpful tips, ingredient substitutions, and serving suggestions to make this dish your own.

Ready to bring a taste of Spain into your kitchen? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian paella recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients combined in a way that delivers bold flavors and a beautiful presentation. Unlike traditional versions, this dish is completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.

The use of smoky smoked paprika, sweet bell peppers, and tender artichokes ensures that every bite is packed with layers of flavor.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just one pan, you can create a stunning meal that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Plus, the recipe is highly adaptable—swap in your favorite vegetables or add a handful of chickpeas for extra protein. It’s a fantastic way to impress family and friends or enjoy a healthy weeknight dinner with minimal fuss.

For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups short-grain rice (such as bomba or arborio)
• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or frozen)
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Equipment

• Large paella pan or wide, shallow skillet (at least 12 inches in diameter)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl to soak saffron
• Lid or aluminum foil to cover the pan while cooking (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the saffron: Place the saffron threads in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of warm vegetable broth. Let it steep while you prepare the other ingredients. This will help release its beautiful color and aroma.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In your paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, green beans, and diced tomato. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Stir in the rice and spices: Add the rice to the pan, stirring well to coat it in the oil and vegetables. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, turmeric (if using), and salt and pepper. Pour in the saffron-infused broth and the remaining vegetable broth, stirring gently to combine.
5. Cook the paella: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes without stirring. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and develop a crusty bottom (known as socarrat), a hallmark of good paella.
6. Add the artichokes and peas: Scatter the artichoke hearts and frozen peas evenly over the top. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. If the rice is still hard and the liquid is gone, add a splash more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
7. Rest the paella: Remove the pan from the heat and cover loosely with a lid or foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over each portion.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, use a high-quality vegetable broth and real saffron. A pinch of smoked paprika brings the authentic Spanish smoky depth that defines paella.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to swap in zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus depending on the season or your pantry.
• Protein boost: Add a cup of cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
• Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but double-check your broth to ensure it’s plant-based.
• Use frozen veggies: Frozen artichokes and peas work just fine and make this recipe easy to prepare year-round.
• Socarrat magic: To get a nice crust on the bottom, avoid stirring after adding the broth and cook on low heat.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian paella is delicious served straight from the pan, making for a rustic and communal dining experience. Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the rice.

A crisp Spanish white wine like Albariño or a dry rosé complements the dish beautifully.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside some crusty bread or a simple tapas-style platter of olives, roasted nuts, and marinated vegetables.

If you enjoy Mediterranean flavors, you might also love our Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals or the creamy indulgence of our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Conclusion

Vegetarian paella is a wonderful way to bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to your table while keeping things plant-based and healthy. This recipe is not only delicious but also flexible, making it easy to customize based on your favorite vegetables and pantry staples.

Its colorful presentation and complex flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself.

By using fresh ingredients and traditional spices like saffron and smoked paprika, you create an authentic taste experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or add some plant-based protein to suit your taste.

If you’re looking to explore more vegetarian recipes, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more culinary inspiration.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and buen provecho!

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