
Sustainable Spanish Vegetable Paella
Ingredients (4 Servings)
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2 cups of Bomba or Calasparra rice (or any short-grain rice)
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4 cups of vegetable stock (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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1 large tomato, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup fresh green beans (or other local seasonal veggies)
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1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (fresh or jarred in water)
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A pinch of saffron threads (optional but authentic)
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1 teaspoon sweet paprika
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2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
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Prepare the Saffron (Optional)
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If you’re using saffron threads, place them in a small bowl with a few tablespoons of warm stock to bloom. Set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables
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Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a wide, shallow pan (a traditional paella pan if you have it).
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Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the diced tomato, and continue cooking for 2 more minutes.
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Add the Rice and Seasonings
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Stir in the rice, coating it well with the vegetable mixture.
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Add the sweet paprika, the bloomed saffron (with its liquid), salt, and pepper. Stir gently for 1 minute to toast the rice slightly.
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Incorporate the Stock
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Pour in the hot vegetable stock, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed in the pan.
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Arrange the green beans and artichoke hearts on top.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Do not stir from this point on—allow a crust (socarrat) to form at the bottom.
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Simmer and Rest
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Let the paella simmer uncovered until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, roughly 15–20 minutes.
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Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat, cover with a clean cloth or lid, and let it rest for about 5 minutes to finish steaming.
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Serve
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Serve hot, ideally right from the pan. If any is left over, store it in a sealed container to enjoy the next day.
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