Vegan paella is a healthy and tasty alternative to the classic Spanish dish. This modern approach is based on plant-based ingredients, offering a nutritious option that preserves the spirit of traditional paella. At Paella Barcelona Cooking School, we value culinary diversity and offer you the opportunity to learn how to prepare this delicious version.
Through a combination of fresh vegetables, pulses and spices, vegan paella provides an appealing nutritional profile. It also reflects a growing interest in sustainable and conscious eating in today’s gastronomy.
Come to Paella Barcelona Cooking School and discover the incredibly tasty vegan paella recipe!
Ingredients for a vegan paella
Selecting the right ingredients is essential for a tasty and nutritious vegan paella. Here are the key ingredients that add flavour, texture and nutritional value to the dish.
Extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is the perfect base for any vegan paella. Its distinctive flavour and health benefits make it an essential ingredient.
This oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced and healthy diet.
Basmati or brown rice
Rice is the main ingredient in paella, and opting for varieties such as Basmati rice or brown rice can have a number of benefits. Basmati rice, known for its fragrance and loose texture, is ideal for paella. Brown rice, on the other hand, is a more fibre and nutrient-rich option.
Fresh and frozen vegetables
Incorporating a variety of vegetables is key to enriching the flavour and presentation of a vegan paella. Both fresh and frozen vegetables can be used, ensuring year-round availability and quality.
Garlic, onion and peppers
These basic ingredients are essential for the sofrito of the paella. The garlic provides an intense flavour, the onion offers sweetness and the peppers, whether red or green, add colour and freshness to the dish.
Artichokes and green beans
Artichokes offer a delicate flavour and are rich in fibre, while green beans provide a nice crunch. Both ingredients complement the rice perfectly and allow you to enjoy a varied texture in every bite.
Peas and tomatoes
Peas are an excellent source of vegetable protein and provide a natural sweetness. Tomatoes, being a juicy ingredient, not only add flavour, but also contribute to the moisture needed to cook the rice properly.
Spices and seasonings
Spices are the heart and soul of vegan paella. Each spice brings a special nuance that transforms the dish into a unique culinary experience.
Turmeric and sweet paprika
Turmeric is an essential spice that not only gives a vibrant colour, but also has anti-inflammatory benefits. Sweet paprika, on the other hand, enriches the flavour with its smoky and sweet notes, creating a perfect combination.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper are the basic seasonings that enhance all the flavours present in vegan paella. It is essential to adjust the amount to personal taste, taking care not to mask the natural flavours of the ingredients.
Vegan paella recipe: How to prepare it?
Preparing vegan paella is a simple process that allows you to enjoy a dish full of flavour and nutrients. From Paella Barcelona Cooking School, we detail the necessary steps to achieve a delicious and healthy vegan paella recipe.
Sofrito of vegetables
The sofrito is the base of the flavour of vegan paella. It is essential to dedicate the necessary time to allow the vegetables to release their juices and bring all their aroma to the dish.
Initial steps and timing
To begin, it is important to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking. This includes chopping the vegetables and measuring the quantities required.
A good sofrito usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes to be at its optimum.
Add the garlic, onion and pepper.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a paella pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic, onion and peppers.
Cook until golden brown and tender, which usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and frozen vegetables
Once the sofrito of garlic, onion and peppers is ready, it is time to add the grated tomatoes to the mixture. Cook for a few minutes until they reduce in size and release their juices.
Then add the frozen vegetables, such as artichoke hearts and green beans. Stir well so that everything integrates and cooks for a few more minutes.
Stir in the rice and spices
The next step in the vegan paella recipe is to add the rice to the paella pan. Mix well with the vegetables until the edges of the rice start to become transparent.
This is the time to add the spices, such as turmeric and paprika, which will add colour and flavour to the dish.
Add the vegetable stock
After the rice and spices are well integrated, the hot vegetable stock needs to be added. The ratio is usually four parts stock to one part rice. This ensures that the rice cooks properly and absorbs all the flavours of the stir-fry and spices.
Heating and measuring the stock
It is important to heat the stock beforehand so that it does not interrupt the cooking process of the vegan paella. It is advisable to measure the quantities carefully and reserve a little stock in case you need to add more during cooking.
Adjusting salt and pepper
Before cooking, salt and pepper should be adjusted to taste. This is crucial to bring out all the flavours of the ingredients. Salt should be added sparingly and can be adjusted during the process.
Cooking over medium heat
Once everything is in the paella pan, cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. It is important to maintain a constant temperature to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.
If you notice that the rice needs more liquid, you can add a little more hot stock during cooking.
Leave the paella to stand, covered
Once the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, it is advisable to leave the vegan paella covered for a few minutes.
This resting time allows the flavours to integrate even more and the rice to finish cooking, achieving a perfect texture. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious vegan option!
With its rich combination of fresh vegetables, pulses and spices, vegan paella stands out as a dish that not only satisfies the palate, but also promotes conscious and sustainable eating.
If you are passionate about cooking and want to learn how to prepare an authentic vegan paella, we invite you to join our courses at Paella Barcelona Cooking School. Here, not only will you discover the secrets to making the perfect vegan paella, but you can also explore other delicacies of Spanish gastronomy.
Contact us today and learn how to cook with us!
