🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Easy Vegetarian Paella

A colorful and authentic Spanish inspired dish packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Spanish· July 20, 2026
Easy Vegetarian Paella
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Total
45 minutes
Serves
4

This vegetarian paella is a wonderful way to bring the spirit of Spain into your home kitchen. It is loaded with artichokes, peas, and chickpeas, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that is entirely vegan and naturally flavorful.

I love serving this for dinner parties because it looks so beautiful when brought straight to the table. If you are new to making paella, the most important thing to remember is to let the rice cook undisturbed so you can achieve that perfect crispy bottom.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups Bomba or Arborio rice
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Roasted red peppers for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large paella pan or your largest shallow skillet over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.

  3. 3

    Stir in the chopped tomato, smoked paprika, and saffron, cooking for a few minutes until the tomatoes break down into a sauce.

  4. 4

    Add the rice to the pan and stir briefly to coat every grain in the tomato mixture.

  5. 5

    Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

  6. 6

    Arrange the artichoke hearts, peas, and chickpeas evenly over the rice. Season with a pinch of salt.

  7. 7

    Turn the heat to low and let the rice cook for about 18 to 20 minutes without stirring. This allows the liquid to absorb and the bottom to develop a crust.

  8. 8

    If using a large pan over multiple burners, rotate the pan occasionally so it cooks evenly.

  9. 9

    Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, remove from the heat and garnish with roasted red peppers and fresh lemon wedges.

💡 Tips

Serve this dish directly from the pan for a rustic presentation. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, though it is best enjoyed fresh to keep the rice texture perfect.

#vegetarian#vegan#healthy#dinner#gluten free

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