Veg Paella # FoodieExtravaganza

In celebration of Spanish Paella day, our Host for this month Sue Lau, choose this theme for March - Paella- seafood, chicken or a vegetarian.

I was all in to prepare a Spanish seafood paella, but could not do so since my hubby a vegetarian had not tasted this dish on our visit to Spain. Hence, decided make a Veg Paella, for lunch which he enjoyed and had the remaining for dinner too. Happy me.. to see him relish it.

By the way Paella (is pronounced as Pa e ya) which is a traditional Spanish Rice dish, to which, assorted veggies with combo of seafood or meat is used.

Though the recipe is very lengthy but its very easy to make. I, do not own a traditional Paella pan, had to make do with a flat, broad pressure pan and it worked very well.

Ingredients

1.1/2 Cups Rice
5 White Baby Onions - sliced

5 White Baby Onions - kept them whole
5 Big Cloves Garlic
50 Grams French beans - cut into two
4 Florets Broccoli
50 Grams Green Peas

2 Carrots - cut into thick sticks

1 Round Brinjal/ Eggplants- cut in thick half circles
1 Red Bell Pepper - cut into long strips

1 Yellow Bell Pepper - cut into long strips

1 Green Bell Pepper - cut into long strips
5 - 6 Button Mushrooms - cut into two pieces
2 Tomatoes - finely copped
10 - 12 Black or Green Olives
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric powder

2 Veg Seasoning cubes
1/4 Teaspoon Saffron
1 Teaspoon Red chilly flakes

1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper powder
4 Cups Hot Water
1 Cup Tomato Juice * (see notes)
4 -5 Tablespoons Olive oil
2 Teaspoon Fresh Lemon juice

Coriander leaves for garnishing

Method

Wash and soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. Just before use drain all the water.

Boil 4 cups of water with the vegetable seasoning cube. Keep it aside.

In a broad pan, heat oil, add chopped garlic, sliced onions and saute till onions are translucent and garlic releases an aroma. Add bell peppers and saute it again. Add turmeric, saffron, chilly flakes, pepper powder, mix well. Add rice and saute it well so that rice is completely covered with spices. Add the rest of vegetables, baby onions and chopped tomatoes, except olives and tomato juice. Saute again add salt, hot vegetable stock water and tomato juice. Bring it to a boil and let it boil on high flame for 3 to 4 minutes. Now reduce the flame to low and cover the pan.

After 5 minutes open the lid and lightly give it a quick stir, if needed add water and again cover the pan, let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. After 12 to 15 minutes check if the the the stock is completely absorbed and rice is done. Then switch of the flame. Cover the pan again and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil and lightly mix the rice. Dish out the rice in a serving plate, sprinkle lime juice, add olives and parsley or coriander leaves and enjoy this Paella. This is a complete and filling meal.

My Notes

I blended 2 medium tomatoes strained it and added water enough to make 1 cup of tomato juice.

Can use any long or short grain rice to make this paella

Can use any onions if white is not available. Since I had baby onions used it.

Labels : Rice, Vegetarian, Spain, Vegetables, Healthy, Foodie Extravaganza Party

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