Saffron-infused Spring Vegetable Paella Recipe
Spring Vegetable Paella Recipe
Welcome to this delightful journey into the flavors of spring with our Spring Vegetable Paella recipe! Bursting with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this Spanish-inspired dish is a true celebration of seasonal produce. 🌱✨
Recipe Overview
- Name: Spring Vegetable Paella
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Keywords: European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Spring, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
- Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 244.3
- Rating: 4.5 stars
Ingredients
Let’s gather the ingredients to create this culinary masterpiece:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Artichoke hearts | 5-6 |
| Brown rice | 1 1/2 cups |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Saffron | 1 pinch |
| Onions | 2 medium |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Red bell pepper | 1 |
| Asparagus | 1 bunch |
| Green peas | 1 cup |
| Frozen green peas | 1 cup |
| Chopped tomato | 1 |
| Chives | For garnish |
| Scallion | For garnish |
| Snow peas | For garnish |
Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process step by step:
-
Prepare Artichoke Hearts:
- Drain the artichoke hearts, reserving the brine.
- Quarter the artichoke hearts and set aside.
-
Cook Rice:
- Add water to the artichoke brine to make 2 1/2 cups of liquid.
- Combine the rice, salt, and saffron in a heavy saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, which should take about 45 to 60 minutes.
-
Prepare Vegetables:
- While the rice is cooking, sauté the onions, celery, and garlic in the olive oil over medium-high heat for approximately 5 minutes or until the onions soften.
- Add the dried thyme, bell peppers, and asparagus. Cover and sauté on medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the green peas, chopped tomato, and reserved artichoke hearts. Cover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
-
Season and Serve:
- Season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve the paella, spread the cooked rice on a large platter or in a large bowl.
- Top the rice with the sautéed vegetables and their juices.
- Garnish with chopped chives or scallions and steamed snow peas if desired.
-
Enjoy!:
- Your Spring Vegetable Paella is now ready to be served and enjoyed! 🍲🌼
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 244.3 per serving
- Fat Content: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 563.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 48.1g
- Fiber Content: 9.3g
- Sugar Content: 6.5g
- Protein Content: 9.2g
Tips and Tricks
- For a richer flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice.
- Feel free to customize your paella by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or protein sources like tofu or shrimp.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
Conclusion
With its aromatic saffron-infused rice and colorful assortment of spring vegetables, our Spring Vegetable Paella is sure to impress your taste buds and brighten up your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or planning a special springtime feast, this recipe is a perfect choice. Enjoy the flavors of the season with this delightful Spanish-inspired dish! 🌸🥘








