Colorful Mediterranean Vegetable Paella
This vibrant Mediterranean Vegetable Paella is a delightful dish that celebrates the rich flavors and colors of the Mediterranean region. Perfect as a savory side dish or a light main course, it features fragrant saffron-infused rice paired with crispy green beans, sweet bell peppers, briny black olives, and fresh tomatoes. With a perfect balance of seasonings, this vegetarian paella is an ideal choice for gatherings, having received rave reviews from family and friends. The bright hues and taste make it a standout at potlucks, easily passing the 'husband test.' Prepare to impress your guests with this stunning and flavorful dish that brings a touch of sunshine to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spanish saffron threads
3-4 (soaked in hot water)
rice
2 cups (uncooked)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (to sauté rice)
vegetable broth
4 cups (for cooking)
green beans
1 cup (trimmed and cut into pieces)
black olives
1 cup (whole)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
white pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
roma tomato
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in the hot water for about 10 minutes to release their color and flavor.
2
In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking.
3
Stir in the vegetable broth, green beans, black olives, chopped red bell pepper, saffron mixture (including the soaking water), white pepper, cayenne pepper, and chopped roma tomato.
4
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan tightly. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
5
Once cooked, remove the paella from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorful Mediterranean Vegetable Paella?
It is a vibrant vegetarian dish featuring saffron-infused rice, fresh vegetables like green beans and bell peppers, and briny black olives.
Is this paella recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and various fresh vegetables.
How do I prepare the saffron for this recipe?
Soak 3-4 Spanish saffron threads in hot water for about 10 minutes to release their color and flavor before adding them to the dish.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked rice, typically a short-grain variety suitable for paella.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you simmer the rice covered for about 30 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
What vegetables are included in this Mediterranean paella?
The recipe includes green beans, red bell pepper, black olives, and roma tomatoes.
How much vegetable broth is needed?
You will need 4 cups of vegetable broth for cooking the rice.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with saffron threads, white pepper, and cayenne pepper for a balanced heat.
Do I need to sauté the rice first?
Yes, you should sauté the uncooked rice in extra virgin olive oil for about 2 minutes before adding the liquid.
Can I serve this at a potluck?
Absolutely! This dish is noted for its bright colors and flavors, making it a standout at potlucks and gatherings.
Are the black olives whole or sliced?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of whole black olives.
Should the pan be covered during simmering?
Yes, the pan should be tightly covered while simmering to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the paella hot, fluffed with a fork, and garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil to sauté the rice.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 1/2 to 1 teaspoon each of white pepper and cayenne pepper, which provides a mild to moderate heat that can be adjusted to taste.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of chopped roma tomatoes.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Stir the mixture occasionally during the 30-minute simmering period to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
How long should the dish rest after cooking?
Once the liquid is absorbed, let the paella sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
How many saffron threads are needed?
You will need 3-4 Spanish saffron threads soaked in hot water.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, light meal featuring fresh vegetables and olive oil.
Can this be a main course?
Yes, it works perfectly as either a savory side dish or a light main course.
What preparation is needed for the green beans?
The green beans should be trimmed and cut into pieces before being added to the pan.
What kind of pan is best for this recipe?
A large pan or a Dutch oven is recommended to accommodate the rice, vegetables, and broth.
How much red bell pepper is required?
The recipe uses one red bell pepper, chopped.
Is the rice cooked or uncooked when added?
The rice is added to the pan uncooked and sautéed in oil first.
What is the 'husband test' mentioned in the description?
The description mentions that the recipe easily passed the 'husband test,' implying it is a crowd-pleaser for various tastes.
What color is the final dish?
The dish is vibrant and colorful due to the combination of saffron, green beans, red peppers, and tomatoes.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin?
The recipe specifically recommends extra virgin olive oil for the best Mediterranean flavor profile.
Does the recipe include any meat?
No, this is a strictly vegetable-based paella recipe.