Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Paella
Inspired by traditional Spanish paella, this vibrant Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Paella is a delightful vegetarian dish that bursts with flavor and color. Crafted from wholesome roasted vegetables and infused with aromatic herbs and saffron, this paella proves that you don't need meat or seafood to create a satisfying meal. Enjoy the earthy undertones of roasted bell peppers and zucchini, complemented by the rich, creamy texture of arborio rice. This dish not only serves as a hearty centerpiece for your table but also invites customization—feel free to add your favorite proteins like seafood, chorizo, or ham, making this paella a versatile delight for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
3 cups (heated)
saffron threads
1 1/4 teaspoons (infused in broth)
red bell pepper
1 large (cut into strips)
zucchini
1/2 lb (sliced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
jalapeño pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
plum tomatoes
3 (chopped)
arborio rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
lemon wedge
1 (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and saffron threads to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the saffron to infuse into the broth.
2
While the broth is simmering, prepare the roasted vegetables. Toss together the sliced red bell pepper, zucchini, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Spread them in an even layer on a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan. Sprinkle with dried oregano and thyme for added flavor.
3
Roast the vegetables in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring once halfway through cooking.
4
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño pepper for 20-25 minutes, or until the onion is caramelized and golden.
5
Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
6
Incorporate the uncooked arborio rice into the skillet, followed by the simmering chicken broth mixture. Increase the heat to bring everything to a boil.
7
Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir the mixture once after 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
8
After the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender, gently fold in the roasted bell pepper and zucchini. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9
Serve the paella hot, garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Paella?
It is a vibrant, Spanish-inspired vegetarian dish made with arborio rice, roasted vegetables, and aromatic saffron.
Is this paella strictly vegetarian?
The description identifies it as vegetarian, though the recipe list mentions chicken broth; use vegetable broth to ensure it is strictly vegetarian.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of uncooked arborio rice.
How do I prepare the saffron for the paella?
Bring the chicken broth and saffron threads to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes to infuse the flavor.
At what temperature should I roast the vegetables?
The vegetables should be roasted in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
Which vegetables are roasted for this dish?
A large red bell pepper cut into strips and 1/2 lb of sliced zucchini are roasted for this recipe.
How long do the vegetables need to roast?
Roast them for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
What herbs are used to season the roasted vegetables?
The vegetables are seasoned with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried thyme.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño for 20-25 minutes until the onion is caramelized.
When do I add the tomatoes to the skillet?
Add the chopped plum tomatoes after the onions are caramelized and stir for 3-5 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Can I add protein to this paella?
Yes, you can customize the dish by adding seafood, chorizo, or ham.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 chopped garlic cloves.
Is the jalapeño pepper seeded or left whole?
The jalapeño pepper should be seeded and chopped before being added to the skillet.
How much saffron is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 teaspoons of saffron threads.
How much liquid is needed for the rice?
You will need 3 cups of chicken broth to cook the arborio rice.
Should the skillet be covered while cooking the rice?
Yes, once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce heat to low for simmering.
How long does the rice simmer?
The rice should simmer for 20-30 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Do I need to stir the rice while it is simmering?
The instructions suggest stirring the mixture once after 15 minutes of simmering to ensure even cooking.
When are the roasted vegetables added back to the dish?
Gently fold in the roasted bell peppers and zucchini after the rice is tender, then cook for 5 more minutes.
How is the paella garnished?
The dish is garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.
How many plum tomatoes are used?
You will need 3 chopped plum tomatoes for the skillet mixture.
What size roasting pan is recommended?
A 15x10-inch jelly roll pan is recommended for roasting the vegetables.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between roasting and sautéing.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features earthy roasted vegetables, rich creamy rice, and aromatic saffron with a hint of heat from jalapeño.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While arborio is recommended for its texture, other short-grain rices like Bomba can be used for paella.
Is this a good meal for hosting?
Yes, it is described as a hearty centerpiece that is both vibrant and visually appealing.
Should the vegetables be stirred during roasting?
Yes, you should stir the vegetables once halfway through the 25-30 minute roasting period.
How much zucchini is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of sliced zucchini.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, though it requires both a pan for roasting and a skillet.
How should the paella be served?
The paella should be served hot immediately after the final 5 minutes of cooking.