Zesty Veggie Paella

Infused with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Zesty Veggie Paella is a wholesome, plant-based twist on the Spanish classic. This one-pan dish features fragrant saffron, smoky paprika, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, peas, and artichoke hearts, all simmered with tender paella rice in rich vegetable broth. With minimal prep and a stunning presentation, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a tangy, aromatic finish that will transport your taste buds straight to Spain. Perfectly hearty, gluten-free, and packed with flavor, this veggie paella is a must-try for lovers of bold, comforting meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoons saffron threads
• 1.5 cups short-grain paella rice (such as Bomba)
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, canned (with juices)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 0.75 cups frozen peas
• 1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, quartered
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 large lemon, cut into wedges
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or paella pan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, turmeric, and saffron threads. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the paella rice, stirring well to coat the grains in the spices and oil.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, without stirring, to allow the rice to absorb the liquid evenly.

Step 7

Scatter the frozen peas, quartered artichoke hearts, and green beans across the top of the rice. Do not stir.

Step 8

Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2516.8 grams (2516.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2331

Total Fat 56.20g	72%
Saturated Fat 9.30g	47%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5082mg	221%
Total Carbohydrate 406.70g	148%
Dietary Fiber 59.30g	212%
Total Sugars 46.30g
Protein 66.90g	134%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 620mg	48%
Iron 22mg	120%
Potassium 4866mg	104%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.1%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 67.8%