Market-Fresh Vegetable Paella with Saffron and Smoked Paprika
A vibrant Spanish-inspired paella brimming with seasonal vegetables, infused with saffron and smoky paprika for a hearty vegetarian main. This spanish-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, medium (150g) onion, diced, medium (120g) red bell pepper, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium (150g) onion, diced
- 1 medium (120g) red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) short grain rice
- 4 cups (960ml) vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup (150g) green peas, frozen
- 1 cup (130g) artichoke hearts, quartered
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- for garnish lemon wedges
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 1 sliced red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups short grain rice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, coating the rice evenly for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 5: Without stirring, cook for 15 minutes until rice is almost tender.
- Step 6: Scatter 1 cup frozen green peas, 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts, and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes over the rice, cook uncovered for another 5 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid absorbed.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Market-Fresh Vegetable Paella with Saffron and Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Market-Fresh Vegetable Paella with Saffron and Smoked Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Market-Fresh Vegetable Paella with Saffron and Smoked Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Market-Fresh Vegetable Paella with Saffron and Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Market-Fresh Vegetable Paella with Saffron and Smoked Paprika vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
