Aromatic Vegan Paella Recipe

Bursting with vibrant colors and tantalizing scents, this plant-based twist on the classic Spanish dish is a true culinary masterpiece. Recipe developer Catherine Brookes' paella brings together an array of wholesome ingredients, creating a medley that is both visually captivating and palate-pleasing.

In this culinary adventure, she's replaced traditional seafood and meats with a carefully curated selection of vegetables and plant-based proteins, ensuring every spoonful is rich in taste and nutrition. Nutty chickpeas, earthy mushrooms, and sweet bell peppers mingle harmoniously with saffron-infused rice, providing a tapestry of tastes that will transport you to the sun-kissed streets of Valencia. Brookes tells us, "This is the perfect dish to serve to guests if there are people with different dietary requirements. This is gluten-free, vegan, and easy to add some extra protein to if desired!"

Join us on a gastronomic journey that celebrates compassion for animals and the environment, all while savoring the essence of Spain's culinary heritage. Discover the joy of aromatic vegan paella, where each bite whispers tales of love for both your taste buds and the planet.

To make this dish, you can start by gathering your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need vegetable stock, saffron, olive oil, onion, red bell pepper, white mushrooms, tomato, garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, Spanish paella rice, salt, pepper, chickpeas, and peas.

While you get out those ingredients, you might be thinking about what to serve alongside this dish. While it doesn't need much to complete this meal, Brookes suggests, "This is great served with some fresh green salad and crusty bread."

In a small saucepan, add the saffron and the vegetable stock. Bring this mixture to a simmer to keep warm. Then, in a paella pan, over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, onion, and red pepper. Saute these veggies for about 10 minutes. Then, add in the mushrooms and tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, before adding the garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir all these ingredients together and enjoy the wonderful aromas wafting through your kitchen.

Saffron is a prized and essential ingredient in paella, adding a unique and vibrant touch to the dish. When added to paella, saffron infuses the rice with a beautiful hue and imparts a subtle, earthy, and slightly floral taste. However, saffron can be rather pricey. Brookes says, "If you don't want to use saffron, turmeric can work as a good substitute here."

Then add the rice, salt, and pepper to the paella pan with the veggies. Allow the rice to toast in the pan for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Next add in the warm broth, but do not stir it. Bring the heat to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Continue simmering for 25 minutes. Again, resist the urge to stir.

Brookes notes, "Cooking without stirring will help to form the traditional paella 'socarrat' crust on the bottom of the pan." This allows the rice to develop a slightly crunchy texture while absorbing the flavorful juices from the ingredients. This crispy layer creates a delightful contrast to the tender rice and savory toppings.

Lastly, remove the dish from the heat and add the peas and chickpeas over the dish. Then cover the paella pan with foil and allow to steam for 15 minutes. Since the chickpeas and the peas are already cooked, they simply need to warm through.

Chickpeas and peas are two fantastic sources of plant-based protein, making them ideal ingredients for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Both legumes are not only rich in protein but also provide an array of essential nutrients. However, if you want to add some animal protein here, Brookes suggests, "You could absolutely add some chicken, chorizo, shrimp, or other seafood."