How to Make the Perfect Vegetable Paella
Spanish · Medium · 50 min · 6 servings
This vegetable paella is a stunning vegan version of the iconic Spanish rice dish packed with colorful seasonal vegetables. A truly satisfying vegan dinner that brings bold saffron-infused flavors straight to your table.
Why this recipe works
This Vegetable Paella recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups bomba or short-grain rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans trimmed
- 1 can artichoke hearts drained and halved
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Bloom the Saffron
Warm the vegetable broth in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the saffron threads and let them steep for at least 10 minutes to release their golden color and aroma. Keep warm.
Step 2: Saute the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes and smoked paprika and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 3: Add Rice and Broth
Add the rice to the pan and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to toast slightly. Pour in the warm saffron broth and arrange green beans and artichoke hearts across the top. Do not stir from this point on.
Step 4: Simmer Until Done
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and a light golden crust called socarrat forms on the bottom. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- bomba rice → Arborio rice though the texture will be slightly creamier
- saffron threads → a teaspoon of turmeric for color though flavor will differ
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Stirring the rice after adding broth which breaks down the grains and ruins the socarrat
- Using too much liquid which prevents the rice from developing a crispy bottom layer
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 10g protein, 72g carbs, 8g fat, 7g fiber.
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