How to Prepare a Plant-Based Brown Rice Paella

Making a vegan brown rice paella is a delicious way to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Spanish paella while keeping it plant based and nutritious.

Start by gathering your ingredients.

You’ll require 180 grams of whole grain brown rice.

Two cups of vegetable broth.

One large onion, finely diced.

Three cloves of garlic minced.

A fresh red bell pepper, cut into thin strips.

100 grams of frozen green peas.

One cup of roasted or boiled garbanzo beans.

A small amount of saffron steeped in 2 tbsp of heated water.

1 tsp of Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón).

One tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.

Add kosher salt according to your preference.

Garnish with minced chives, dill, or a citrus twist for brightness.

Heat the olive oil in a wide shallow pan over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, about five minutes.

Mix in the crushed garlic and cook just until its scent fills the air.

Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for three to four minutes until it softens slightly.

Gently fold the rice into the mixture so every kernel is lightly glazed.

Let the rice toast for about two minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.

Carefully add the broth along with the infused saffron liquid.

Stir in the paprika and season lightly with salt.

Stir once, then allow the liquid to reach a soft, steady simmer.

Avoid stirring post-simmer—it’s key to forming the prized caramelized crust known as socarrat.

Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and قیمت برنج قهوه ای let it cook for 35 to 40 minutes.

Monitor the liquid level every 8–10 minutes to prevent drying out.

Add a tablespoon or two of warm liquid if the rice seems to be drying too fast.

At the 30-minute mark, evenly distribute the peas and chickpeas on top.

Cover again and continue cooking for the remaining time.

Once the grains are soft and no excess liquid remains, take the pan off the stove.

Let the dish steam quietly under cover for 5 minutes to finalize texture.

Resting helps the ingredients harmonize and the rice absorb any lingering moisture.

Before serving, give the paella a gentle fluff with a fork.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Finish with a sprinkle of herbs and a drizzle of fresh lemon.

Serve warm and enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

This hearty, plant-powered paella delivers bold flavor, high fiber, and complete protein, making it an ideal wholesome choice for meals any day of the week.