Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—Brown Rice Veggie Paella! This isn’t just any paella; it’s hearty, nutritious, and bursting with vibrant flavors that make your taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made it for my family, and the aroma filled the kitchen like a warm hug. Everyone just gathered around, eagerly waiting for that first bite! What I love most is that you can toss in any veggies you have lying around, making it super versatile and perfect for a clean-out-the-fridge meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and colorful. Trust me, once you try this paella, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

Ingredients List

1 cup brown rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth, preferably low-sodium
1 red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 green bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
1 onion, chopped finely
2 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better!)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika, for that amazing depth of flavor
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, or a pinch of turmeric for color
2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin is my favorite
Salt to taste, start light and adjust later
Pepper to taste, freshly cracked is best!

How to Prepare Brown Rice Veggie Paella

Making this Brown Rice Veggie Paella is easier than you might think, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute! Let’s dive right into the steps so you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoke.
Once the oil is shimmering, toss in 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Oh, that smell is divine!
Next, add in your diced red and green bell peppers. Cook this colorful mix for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. We want them softened but still vibrant.
Now, stir in 1 cup of rinsed brown rice, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads. This is where the magic begins! Mix everything well, letting the rice soak up those flavors for about 1 minute.
Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth, bring it all to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 40 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid; the steam is doing all the work!
After 40 minutes, add in 1 cup of peas and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, just enough time for the peas to warm through.
Finally, fluff the paella with a fork and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

And there you have it! Serve this gorgeous, hearty paella hot, and watch everyone gather around for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare—ready in just about 55 minutes!
One-pot meal means less cleanup, yay!
Packed with vibrant veggies for a nutritious boost.
Flavorful with smoked paprika and saffron, making every bite a delight.
Customizable—use whatever veggies you have on hand!
Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!

Tips for Success

To make your Brown Rice Veggie Paella truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, don’t skimp on the seasoning—taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can even throw in a bay leaf while it simmers for an extra layer of flavor! If you want to elevate your dish, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley right before serving; it really brightens everything up.

Also, keep in mind that the type of brown rice matters! Long-grain brown rice works beautifully, but if you have short-grain, it can add a nice creaminess. Lastly, let the paella rest before serving; it helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, these little tips will take your paella from good to absolutely fantastic!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for a serving of this delicious Brown Rice Veggie Paella. Each serving is packed with goodness!

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 400mg
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

This paella not only tastes amazing but also fills you up with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the week!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making Brown Rice Veggie Paella? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:

Can I use other grains instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! You can swap in quinoa or even farro if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary.

Is this paella gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you stick to gluten-free vegetable broth, this dish is perfect for gluten-free diets.

How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when you sauté the veggies!

Can I make this paella ahead of time?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What can I serve with Brown Rice Veggie Paella?
This dish is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a complete dining experience!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving my Brown Rice Veggie Paella, I love keeping it simple yet delightful! A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is the perfect complement, adding a refreshing crunch. You can also serve it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up all those delicious flavors. For a little extra flair, consider a side of garlic aioli or a dollop of creamy avocado. Trust me, these additions will elevate your meal and leave everyone craving more!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Brown Rice Veggie Paella fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to bring back that lovely moisture. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it for a quick option, just cover it to keep it moist. Trust me, this dish tastes just as good the next day!

Brown Rice Veggie Paella: 7 Blissful Reasons to Try It

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Spanish
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and nutritious brown rice veggie paella packed with flavor.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
Stir in bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add brown rice, smoked paprika, and saffron.
Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.
Add peas, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

Notes

Use any vegetables you have on hand.
For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme or parsley.
Let the paella sit for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Brown Rice Veggie Paella

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