Try this Mediterranean grilled vegetable paella recipe
Paella, a celebrated Spanish dish, traditionally features seafood or meat. This guide offers a vegetarian, eggless variant with grilled vegetables, embracing the Mediterranean diet. Ideal for those desiring a nutritious yet satisfying meal, this version is not just a delight for the palate but also adds a splash of color to any meal setting. Let's begin cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, you will need one cup Arborio rice, two cups vegetable broth, one red bell pepper, one yellow bell pepper, one zucchini, one yellow squash, one red onion, three garlic cloves, 14 oz diced tomatoes, one cup of peas, one cup of parsley chopped, salt, pepper, olive oil, and some lemon wedges.
Prepare the vegetables for grilling
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill the vegetables until they are charred and tender but still retain some bite—about five to seven minutes per side. Once done, set them aside on a plate.
Cook the rice base
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet or paella pan on medium. Add red onion and garlic, sauteing until fragrant, about three minutes. Stir in Arborio rice until coated and slightly toasted. Add vegetable broth and drained tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low until rice is tender, about 18 minutes.
Combine ingredients and finish cooking
When your rice is nearly done, still a bit soupy with some liquid remaining, it's time to incorporate the grilled vegetables and the thawed peas into the mix. Carefully fold them into the skillet or paella pan, ensuring they're evenly spread throughout the rice. This step is crucial for an even distribution without turning the vegetables into mush.
Garnish and serve hot
Cook everything together uncovered on low heat for five more minutes, allowing flavors to blend and excess liquid to be absorbed, making the rice fluffy yet moist. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Offer lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their portion, enhancing the dish's taste. This paella showcases the best of vegetarian cuisine, proving that simplicity can lead to perfection.
