Vegan Paella Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Authentic Guide

Paella is a vibrant and iconic Spanish dish that brings together a delightful mix of textures, colors, and flavors. Traditionally made with seafood and meat, this classic is beloved worldwide for its rich taste and festive presentation.

But what if you’re craving paella while following a vegan lifestyle? Don’t worry!

Our vegan paella recipe offers all the comforting depth and boldness of the original, but with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, smoky spices, and the perfect saffron-infused rice base. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plants to your meals, this paella is a fantastic way to impress your guests or treat yourself on a cozy night in.

Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand. Get ready to savor every bite of this colorful and hearty dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan paella is a celebration of flavors and textures that doesn’t compromise on authenticity. Using ingredients like smoked paprika and saffron, it captures the essence of traditional paella without any animal products.

The combination of bell peppers, artichokes, green beans, and tomatoes creates a beautiful medley of colors and nutrients.

It’s also incredibly versatile and perfect for meal prep or gatherings. The one-pan method means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

Plus, it’s nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and can easily be adapted to be soy-free or nut-free depending on your dietary needs.

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for more exciting plant-based inspirations!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups short-grain Bomba or Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or frozen)
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional, for color)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Small bowl for saffron soaking

Instructions

1. Prepare the saffron: Place the saffron threads in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of warm vegetable broth. Let it steep for at least 10 minutes to release its color and aroma.
2. Heat the pan: In your paella pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Cook the garlic and peppers: Add the minced garlic, red, and yellow bell peppers to the pan. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
4. Add spices: Stir in the smoked paprika and turmeric, coating the vegetables well. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices gently.
5. Add rice and tomatoes: Pour in the rice and diced tomatoes, stirring to mix everything thoroughly. Let the rice toast for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to enhance its nutty flavor.
6. Pour in broth and saffron: Slowly add the warm vegetable broth along with the saffron-infused broth. Stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer without stirring: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Avoid stirring to allow the rice to cook evenly and develop a crispy bottom (socarrat).
8. Add vegetables: After 15 minutes, gently nestle the green beans, artichoke hearts, and peas into the rice. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
9. Rest the paella: Remove the pan from heat and cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and arrange lemon wedges around the pan. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, use short-grain rice like Bomba or Arborio, which absorb liquid well without becoming mushy.

Feel free to customize your paella with seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, or zucchini for added variety and nutrition.

To add a smoky depth, consider incorporating a splash of liquid smoke or using smoked sea salt.

If you want to boost protein, add cooked chickpeas or vegan chorizo slices toward the end of cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan paella shines as a main dish accompanied by simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully.

For extra indulgence, serve with crusty bread or garlic-roasted potatoes.

Pair your meal with a chilled glass of Spanish white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon slices for a complete dining experience. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated, making it a great choice for next-day lunches.

For more delicious vegan dishes to pair with your paella, explore our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Conclusion

This vegan paella recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the essence of Spain’s beloved dish while honoring a plant-based diet. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and fluffy saffron rice that will satisfy both vegans and non-vegans alike.

The recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels and offers plenty of room for personalization depending on what’s fresh and in season.

Whether you’re preparing a festive family dinner, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to something special, this vegan paella is sure to become a favorite. Its rich flavors, beautiful presentation, and wholesome ingredients make it a nutritious and tasty addition to your recipe collection.

Don’t forget to explore other inspiring recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to keep your vegan cooking exciting!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Paella”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A vibrant and flavorful Spanish rice dish made entirely with plant-based ingredients. Perfect for a hearty and healthy meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups short-grain rice”, “3 cups vegetable broth”, “1/2 teaspoon saffron threads”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 cup green beans, trimmed”, “1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered”, “1 cup diced tomatoes”, “1/2 cup frozen peas”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “Lemon wedges for serving”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in bell pepper, green beans, and artichokes; cook 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add rice, smoked paprika, and saffron; stir to coat rice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper, fluff rice with a fork.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve with lemon wedges.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350”, “proteinContent”: “8g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “60g”}}