Paella (pie – eh – ah) is a traditional Spanish dish often served on Sundays. Typically it contains several kinds of meat and/or seafood. I was anxious to try it. So decided to try to figure out a vegetarian version. I have included a recipe below. This is the way I made it because it is what I already had on hand. But I am sure it will vary every time I make it. I just want to make sure that I have a good variety of vegetables with some good colors like red and green.
Vegetarian Paella:
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
olive oil
2 cups rice
1 can diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup green beans
1 cup celery sliced
1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
1 small jar pimentos
1 T. basil
saffron
Other ingredients to consider: cauliflower, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, olives
Saute onion and garlic in olive oil for a few minutes, then add rice until slightly browned. Slowly pour in broth. Add green beans and let simmer for 15 min. Then add celery, artichoke hearts, pimentos, basil, and saffron. Stir just to combine, but do not stir much or it will make the rice sticky. Continue to let simmer with lid on for another 10 min. or so. The paella is done when barely any liquid is left at the bottom of the pot. Turn off the heat and let the paella rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This is a large recipe which makes for great leftovers.
Saffron is extremely expensive. While it is a traditional ingredient in paella, most people use the imitation stuff for the coloring. I must admit that it makes the rice a beautiful golden color. It does not add any flavor, but I can understand its importance. Since we eat and enjoy food with our mouth, nose, and eyes, this saffron color visually conveys a richness of flavor. And the box with 10 small envelopes of imitation saffron, only costs .55 cents. However, I will do a follow-up later about real saffron grown in Spain.
I asked the family for some comments about the paella to put on the blog.
Dave: “It’s really good, I like the hint of garlic.”
Summer: “I love it! I could eat this everyday!”
Luie: “Um, no comment. hahahahaha.” (However, he did ask for a second helping!)
Beautiful, the food and YOU!
Oh, Bonnie, you are too nice! Thank you!
Nancy, you really do look gorgeous in this picture. Are you losing even more weight?! The paella sounds delicious. I have some real, albeit old saffron hanging around the kitchen. I think I’ll have to put it to use. Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks Lucia! I am trying to eat healthy, and I get good exercise going up and down all the steps and hills in the village.
I have to say you look like the picture of health!! You actually glow, and the pictures of Dave I have seen, he looks so relaxed and happy, you all do, you are so blessed to be able to do this with your family, leave all the stress behind and enjoy each other. LOVE IT.
Thank you! We are indeed blessed and we are trying to use our time wisely. Focusing on health, family time, learning, and making amazing memories.
I was anxious to see everyone’s comments. Lol. Luies cracked me up. :). Sounds good. It reminds me of Will & Grace.
Oh yes! One thing about Luie, he is always ready with a good comment.