ThinkRice / Recipes /

Vegetarian Paella

This Vegetarian Paella comes together in under an hour using simple ingredients. Starring U.S.-grown short grain rice, this recipe brings all the flavor and comfort of the classic Spanish rice dish and comes to us from our friend Jamie Vespa RD in partnership with USA Rice.

Overhead shot of a skilled filled with colorful rice paella with parsley, lemons, and olives visible on top




Yield
Makes 6 servings
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min


Ingredients

  • 1½ cup short grain rice
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 package (227g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 3  garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon  saffron threads
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can (398mL) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (398mL) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2½ cup vegetable broth
  • ½ cup frozen green peas, thawed
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon zest & juice
  • ⅓ cup green olives, sliced

Directions

  1. Heat ¼ cup oil in a large high-sided skillet with a fitted lid over medium-high. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms; cook 7 to 8 minutes, until softened. Add garlic, paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  2. Add wine and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until mostly reduced. Stir in rice; cook 2 to 3 minutes, until rice begins to turn translucent. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, broth, and green peas. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook 25 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, combine parsley, lemon zest and juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl. Once rice is cooked, remove lid and cook 5 more minutes. Scatter parsley oil overtop, and garnish with olives, if desired.

 

Recipe Notes: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.

Featured Recipes

Okra Rice Pilaf  

  • Long Grain

Chicken Tinga Rice Bowl  

  • Long GrainWhite Rice

Jerk Chicken Bowl with Carrot Slaw and Creamy Coconut Rice  

  • Short Grain