One-Pot Vegetarian Red Rice Paella
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red rice | 200g |
| Asparagus | 130g |
| Green beans (fagiolini) | 120g |
| Feta cheese | 100g |
| Carrots | 90g |
| Sweet peas (pisellini) | 80g |
| Broad beans (fave) | 70g |
| Red onions | 40g |
| Water | 600g |
| Fresh chili pepper | 1 |
| Lemon juice | To taste |
| Fresh mint | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing the vegetables for the paella. Begin with the asparagus: cut off the woody ends, then peel the stems and set them aside. Peel the carrots and dice them into small cubes. Trim the green beans and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onions and remove the seeds from the fresh chili, slicing it into thin rounds.
Step 2: Sauté the Ingredients
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in a splash of extra virgin olive oil and add the sliced onions and chili peppers to the pan. Cook for a minute or two until the onions soften and become fragrant. Add the asparagus stems and stir briefly to combine with the onions and chili.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Once the vegetables are sautéed, pour in the water, ensuring it covers the ingredients. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the dish. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let the rice cook for about 30-35 minutes, ensuring not to stir the rice during cooking, as this helps form the characteristic crispy bottom.
Step 4: Add Additional Vegetables
After 20-25 minutes of cooking, check the rice to ensure it hasn’t dried out too much. If necessary, add a bit more water. At this stage, stir in the sweet peas, broad beans, and any other vegetables you’d like to include. Continue cooking until the rice is tender and all the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Check for the Crispy Bottom
After the cooking time, gently scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to check if a crispy crust has formed—this is an essential part of a paella! Once the rice is cooked and the bottom is crispy, turn off the heat.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Cover the skillet with a piece of aluminum foil and let the paella rest for 1-2 minutes. This will allow the flavors to settle and enhance the final dish.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
After resting, uncover the skillet and gently stir the rice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. Finish by adding a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, crumbled feta cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and a handful of chopped fresh mint. Mix everything together for a burst of freshness.
Serve your delicious One-Pot Vegetarian Red Rice Paella hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and fragrant rice!
This One-Pot Vegetarian Red Rice Paella is a delightful, healthy meal that brings together the earthy taste of red rice with the crispness of seasonal vegetables and the creamy richness of feta. The flavors are brightened by fresh mint and a touch of lemon, making it the perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner. With minimal clean-up and maximum flavor, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
