Description
Celebrate Good Friday with this stunning and flavorful Vegetable Paella, a vibrant one-pan dish that brings together saffron-infused rice, smoky paprika, and a medley of charred artichokes, cherry tomatoes, olives, and zucchini. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this Spanish-inspired meal is a beautiful and wholesome centerpiece for a reflective, meat-free holiday feast.
Ingredients
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1 carrot, diced
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1 celery stick, chopped
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1 fennel bulb, quartered (plus offcuts for stock)
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1 onion, finely chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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200g ripe tomatoes, chopped
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10 cherry tomatoes, halved
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200g zucchini/courgette, sliced
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4 charred artichoke hearts, halved
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1 Romano pepper, sliced
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8 green olives, halved
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1/2 cup cooked peas or broad beans
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1 generous pinch saffron
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp salt
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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200g paella rice (or arborio)
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30ml extra virgin olive oil
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80ml vegan white wine
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2 vegan stock cubes
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3 cups water (for stock)
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10 cm piece kombu (optional)
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3 dried shiitake mushrooms
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Fresh parsley, chopped (plus offcuts for stock)
Instructions
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In a saucepan, simmer water with fennel offcuts, parsley offcuts, kombu, and shiitake mushrooms for 20 minutes. Strain and keep warm.
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In a paella pan or wide skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Add chopped tomatoes, saffron, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes to reduce slightly.
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Stir in paella rice, coating it with the sauce. Deglaze with white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
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Gradually ladle in warm stock, without stirring. Arrange zucchini, Romano pepper, cherry tomatoes, olives, and artichokes on top.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Add peas or broad beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, lightly char or roast your vegetables before adding to the pan. Let the bottom develop a socarrat (crispy layer) for authentic Spanish texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 410 kcal per serving
