Authentic Spanish Vegetable Paella | So GOOD you won´t Miss the Meat

saffron

💰Cheaper: turmeric

Turmeric provides color similar to saffron at a lower cost.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a more budget-friendly option for cooking.

Finely dice 1 small onion.

Roughly mince 6 cloves of garlic.

Cut a handful of green beans into 1-inch pieces (about 2.5 centimeters).

Cut 1/2 of a red bell pepper into thin strips (about 2 inches long or 5 centimeters).

Finely chop 1 peeled carrot.

Grab a 12-inch (30 centimeters) paella pan and heat it on medium-high heat.

Add in 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil and heat for about 1 minute.

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper strips, green beans, and chopped carrot to the pan and mix continuously to coat the vegetables in olive oil.

Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the rest are lightly sautéed.

Add the minced garlic and mix continuously for 20 to 30 seconds until aromatic, avoiding browning.

Add 1 teaspoon (2.30 grams) of sweet smoked Spanish paprika and mix quickly to coat the vegetables.

Add 1/2 cup (115 grams) of tomato sauce and season with sea salt, mixing well and simmering for a couple of minutes.

Simmer the tomato sauce for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add 3 cups (710 milliliters) of vegetable broth and 1/4 teaspoon (0.17 grams) of saffron threads, mixing well and bringing to a boil.

Once boiling, add 1 cup (200 grams) of Spanish round rice and 1/2 cup (85 grams) of frozen pre-cooked lima beans, mixing one final time.

Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until most broth is absorbed but some remains.

Lower the heat to low medium and simmer for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until all broth is absorbed.

Increase heat to medium-high for 90 seconds to 2 minutes to achieve socarrat (caramelized burnt rice).

Remove from heat, cover with foil and a dish cloth to trap steam, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Uncover and check the paella; it should be perfectly cooked.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary