Name: Vegetarian Paella (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced into ribbons; 2 carrots, chopped into cubes; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cups spinach, chopped; 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen; 1 can/jar (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and quartered; ½ cup black olives (Kalamata recommended); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1 teaspoon saffron threads; 1 ½ cups Spanish rice (bomba or arborio); 4 ½ cups hot vegetable broth; ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped; Salt, to taste; Lemon wedges, to serve

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Paella is traditionally a festive dish, but this vegetarian version brings all the depth and richness in a plant-based, speedy format. The combination of tender Spanish rice simmered in flavorful vegetable broth, sweet roasted peppers, earthy artichokes, and bright olives makes for a harmonious balance. Saffron adds its signature aroma and golden hue, while fresh parsley and lemon wedges provide fresh finishing touches.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full details and notes in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, washed and sliced into ribbons
2 carrots, chopped into cubes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
1 can/jar (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained and quartered
½ cup black olives (Kalamata olives recommended)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon saffron threads
1 ½ cups Spanish rice (such as bomba or arborio)
4 ½ cups hot vegetable broth
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Lemon wedges, to serve

Directions

Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large, wide skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, red bell pepper, and carrots, cooking for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in cherry tomatoes, smoked paprika, and saffron threads. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the rice: Add the Spanish rice to the pan, stirring to coat grains with the oil and vegetables. Pour in the hot vegetable broth and season with salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes without stirring, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and develop a crust.
Add vegetables: Scatter spinach, peas, artichoke hearts, and olives evenly over the rice. Cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the rice is tender.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Let the paella rest for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Servings and Timing

Serves 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add roasted or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.
Substitute artichokes with grilled zucchini or eggplant slices.
Use smoked paprika or sweet paprika depending on your heat preference.
Garnish with roasted red peppers or chopped almonds for texture.
For a vegan version, ensure the vegetable broth is free of animal products.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover paella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the rice, or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

What type of rice is best for paella?

Short-grain Spanish rice like bomba or arborio works best for absorbing liquid and developing the characteristic texture.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen peas and spinach work well just add them at the end to prevent overcooking.

What if I don’t have saffron?

You can substitute with turmeric for color but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Do I need a special paella pan?

A wide, shallow pan works best for even cooking, but a large skillet or sauté pan is a good alternative.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.

Conclusion

This Vegetarian Paella is a quick, flavorful, and colorful dish that brings the essence of Spanish cuisine to your table in just 30 minutes. Filled with wholesome vegetables, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a hearty meat-free meal any day of the week.