Zesty Mediterranean Veggie Paella
Experience a burst of vibrant flavors with our Zesty Mediterranean Veggie Paella! This colorful and wholesome dish is packed with an array of fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and savory goodness. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, each bite is a celebration of Mediterranean culinary traditions. The combination of zucchini, artichoke hearts, and hearty brown rice creates a nourishing meal that everyone will love. Feel free to mix and match vegetables to suit your tastes or use whatever is in season for a truly unique and tasty experience. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this easy, one-dish meal that nourishes the body and excites the palate!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
red pepper
1 (chopped)
chopped garlic
2 teaspoons (chopped)
instant brown rice
1 cup (none)
stewed tomatoes
15 ounces (canned)
vegetable broth
15 ounces (canned)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
zucchini
2 cups (cut in 1-inch cubes)
artichoke hearts
6 1/2 ounces (drained)
carrot
1 cup (chopped)
frozen peas
1/2 cup (thawed)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, red pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
2
Stir in the instant brown rice, ensuring that it is well coated with the oil and vegetable mixture.
3
Pour in the stewed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
4
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Add the cubed zucchini, drained artichoke hearts, and chopped carrots to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate the vegetables.
7
Cover the pot again and continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the broth is nearly absorbed and the rice is tender, checking occasionally and stirring as needed.
8
Finally, gently fold in the thawed peas and chopped fresh parsley. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mediterranean Veggie Paella?
It is a colorful and wholesome one-dish meal packed with fresh vegetables like zucchini and artichoke hearts, fragrant spices, and hearty brown rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
Is this paella recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is entirely vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and a variety of fresh vegetables.
Can this recipe be considered vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
What type of rice is used in this Mediterranean paella?
This specific recipe calls for 1 cup of instant brown rice.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the initial vegetables.
What vegetables are included in the initial sauté step?
The initial sauté includes 1 1/2 cups of chopped onions, one red pepper, and 2 teaspoons of chopped garlic.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of stewed tomatoes.
Is the dish spicy?
The dish contains 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a mild to moderate zesty kick.
What type of broth is recommended?
A 15-ounce container of vegetable broth is used to cook the rice and vegetables.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be cut into 1-inch cubes, totaling approximately 2 cups.
Are the artichoke hearts fresh or canned?
The recipe suggests using 6 1/2 ounces of drained artichoke hearts, which typically come canned or jarred.
When do I add the carrots to the pot?
The chopped carrots are added after the rice has simmered for the first 10 minutes, along with the zucchini and artichokes.
Do the peas need to be cooked before adding them?
No, you should use 1/2 cup of frozen peas that have been thawed, then fold them in at the very end.
What fresh herb is used as a garnish or final ingredient?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley to be folded in at the final stage.
How long do you sauté the onions, pepper, and garlic?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat until they are soft and fragrant.
How long does the rice simmer initially?
After adding the broth and tomatoes, cover the pot and simmer the rice for 10 minutes over medium-low heat.
What is the final simmering time after adding the remaining vegetables?
The mixture should cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the broth is nearly absorbed and the rice is tender.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
It is recommended to stir the mixture occasionally throughout the simmering process to prevent sticking.
Should the pot be covered while cooking?
Yes, the pot should be covered during both the initial 10-minute simmer and the final 15-20 minute cooking stage.
Can I substitute the vegetables in this paella?
Yes, the recipe description encourages mixing and matching vegetables based on your taste or seasonal availability.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
With a total cooking time of roughly 30-35 minutes plus prep, it is considered a relatively quick and easy one-dish meal.
How do I know when the paella is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the broth is nearly absorbed, the rice is tender, and the peas are heated through.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes 8 servings, though specific serving size measurements are not provided.
Do I need a special paella pan for this recipe?
No, the instructions specify using a large pot, making it accessible for any home kitchen.
What makes this paella 'zesty'?
The combination of garlic, stewed tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes creates the signature zesty flavor profile.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, the use of brown rice and a wide variety of vegetables makes this a fiber-rich, nourishing meal.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe lists 2 teaspoons of chopped garlic; fresh cloves are highly recommended for the best flavor.
What color of bell pepper is best?
The recipe specifically calls for one red pepper, which adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
Is it okay to use canned vegetable broth?
Yes, 15 ounces of canned vegetable broth is perfectly suitable for this recipe.