Spring Vegetable Paella Recipes

VEGETABLE PAELLA

Steps:

• Arrange your oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven, making sure that you have ample space between the two racks for your Dutch oven. You're going to need a large Dutch oven (preferably 6 quarts/11-to-12" in diameter or bigger, although I got by with my 5.5-quart Le Creuset) or a large skillet with a snug-fitting lid (both must be oven-safe!).
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in your Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and paprika and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until the mixture begins to darken and thicken slightly, about 2 minutes Stir in the rice and cook until the grains are well coated with tomato mixture, about 1 minute. Stir in the chickpeas, broth, wine, saffron (if using) and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cover the pot and transfer it to the lower rack in the oven. Bake, undisturbed, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 50 to 55 minutes.
• Meanwhile, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. On the baking sheet, combine the artichoke, peppers, chopped olives, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and about 10 twists of freshly ground black pepper. Toss to combine, then spread the contents evenly across the pan.
• Roast the vegetables on the upper rack until the artichokes and peppers are tender and browned around the edges, about 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the vegetables cool for a few minutes. Add 1/4 cup parsley to the pan and the lemon juice, and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
• For optional socarrat (crispy bottom-beware that you might have to scrub burnt bits from your pot later if you do this): Uncover the pot of baked rice, transfer it to the stovetop and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, rotating the pot as needed, until the bottom layer of rice is well browned and crisp.
• Socarrat or not, sprinkle the peas and roasted vegetables over the baked rice, cover, and let the paella sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley (about 1 tablespoon) and serve in individual bowls, with lemon wedges on the side.

SPRING VEGETABLE PAELLA

Steps:

• Cook asparagus and broccoli in enough boiling water to cover in 2-quart saucepan about 4 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain.
• Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook asparagus, broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini and onion in oil about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is crisp-tender.
• Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until hot.

SPRING VEGETABLE PAELLA

Steps:

• Drain the artichoke hearts, reserving the brine.
• Quarter the artichoke hearts and set aside.
• Add water to the artichoke brine to make 2 1/2 cups of liquid and combine it with the rice, salt,and saffron in a heavy saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
• Cover and bring to a boil on high heat.
• Reduce the heat and very gently simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 60 minutes.
• When the rice has simmered for about 25 minutes, saute the onions, celery, and garlic in the olive oil on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until the onions soften.
• Add the thyme, bell peppers, and asparagus, cover,and saute on medium heat,stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
• Add the peas, tomatoes, and reserved artichoke hearts, stir well, cover, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes,until the vegetables are tender.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• To serve the paella, spread the rice on a large platter or in a large bowl.
• Top the rice with the vegetables and their juices.
• Sprinkle with chopped chives or scallions and steamed snow peas,if you like.
• Enjoy!