Spanish cuisine is renowned worldwide for its vibrant flavors and the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients. One of the most beloved traditional dishes is paella, a saffron-infused rice dish that captures the essence of Spain’s coastal regions.
Today, we’re focusing on a vegetarian version made with bomba rice, a unique short-grain rice that absorbs liquids beautifully, giving the dish a perfect texture and depth of flavor. This Bomba Rice Spanish Recipe Vegetarian is not only rich in taste but also colorful and nutritious, making it a fantastic option for meat-free meals.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Spanish dishes, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Spain with a vegetarian twist. Bursting with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and the distinctive texture of bomba rice, it’s ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Plus, it’s easy to customize to your taste, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian bomba rice recipe combines the best of traditional Spanish cooking with wholesome plant-based ingredients. The use of bomba rice ensures that each grain soaks up the flavorful broth without becoming mushy, delivering an irresistible bite every time.
Loaded with fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, peas, and artichokes, this dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with fiber, and easy to prepare in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians or simply want to enjoy a lighter meal, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Plus, it’s a great introduction to Spanish cuisine for those looking to explore new flavors without the hassle of complicated ingredients or techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups bomba rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or frozen)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Equipment
- Large, wide skillet or paella pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl (for soaking saffron)
- Lid or aluminum foil (to cover the pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the saffron: In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water for at least 10 minutes to release their color and aroma.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers: Stir in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their sweetness.
- Stir in the tomato and spices: Add the diced tomato, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomato breaks down and the mixture becomes slightly saucy.
- Add the bomba rice: Pour the rice into the pan and stir well to coat each grain with the flavorful mixture. This step helps the rice absorb the seasonings better.
- Pour in the broth and saffron water: Carefully add the vegetable broth and saffron water to the pan. Stir once to evenly distribute the rice. Avoid stirring after this point to allow the rice to cook evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the rice simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Add peas and artichokes: Sprinkle the peas and artichoke hearts evenly over the rice. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Rest the paella: Remove the pan from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking gently.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over individual portions.
Tips & Variations
“Using bomba rice is key to achieving the authentic texture of Spanish paella. Its unique ability to absorb liquid without becoming mushy sets it apart from other rice varieties.”
Here are some tips to elevate your bomba rice paella:
- Use homemade or high-quality vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
- Try adding other vegetables like green beans, artichoke bottoms, or roasted red peppers for variety.
- For a smoky depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke.
- If you want a vegan version, ensure your broth is vegan-friendly.
- Feel free to top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for added texture and taste.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for subtle flavor changes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 60 g |
Protein | 8 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Sodium | 720 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This bomba rice vegetarian paella pairs beautifully with a crisp Spanish white wine like Albariño or a light rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a chilled herbal iced tea.
Complement the meal with a simple green salad tossed in a sherry vinaigrette or some crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious juices. For dessert, you might enjoy something sweet and creamy like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or a classic Spanish treat such as Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
Conclusion
Crafting a delicious and authentic Spanish dish at home has never been easier than with this vegetarian bomba rice recipe. It’s a perfect introduction to the rich flavors of Spain, made vibrant with fresh vegetables and the magic of saffron-infused bomba rice.
This dish is not only satisfying and flavorful but also versatile enough to adapt to your pantry and preferences.
Whether you’re cooking for vegetarians or simply seeking a hearty, plant-based meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Its beautiful colors, enticing aroma, and delightful texture create a memorable dining experience.
Give it a try and explore more exciting dishes like the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to continue your culinary journey through diverse flavors and cuisines.
📖 Recipe Card: Bomba Rice Spanish Recipe Vegetarian
Description: A traditional Spanish vegetarian paella made with bomba rice, fresh vegetables, and fragrant saffron. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a wholesome meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups bomba rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium tomato, grated
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add bell pepper and green beans, cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in grated tomato, smoked paprika, and saffron.
- Add bomba rice and stir to coat with the mixture.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes without stirring.
- Add peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 60 g
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