Brown Rice Veggie Paella
A hearty and colorful Brown Rice Veggie Paella loaded with vibrant vegetables, savory spices, and aromatic broth. This Spanish-inspired one-pan meal turns wholesome brown rice into a satisfying vegetarian paella that’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- Large paella pan or wide skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup zucchini sliced or diced
Brown Rice & Liquid
- 1 ½ cups brown rice short or medium grain
- 3 ½ cups vegetable broth hot
Seasoning & Flavor
- ½ tsp saffron threads optional, soaked in warm broth
- 1 tsp paprika smoked if available
- ½ tsp turmeric for color and earthy flavor
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup peas fresh or frozen
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, green beans, and zucchini, and cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the brown rice, paprika, turmeric, and saffron (if using), coating the rice and vegetables in the spices.
- Pour in the hot vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Spread the rice and veggies evenly in the pan. Do not stir after this point so the grains cook evenly and develop flavor. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered about 35–40 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- About 5 minutes before the end of cooking, scatter the cherry tomatoes and peas over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
This veggie paella swaps traditional white paella rice for wholesome brown rice for added fiber and nuttier flavor while retaining classic Spanish color and spice. Adjust vegetables seasonally and serve with lemon for brightness. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}