Brown Rice And Vegetable Paella
A vibrant one-pot vegetarian paella featuring brown rice, colorful vegetables, chickpeas, artichokes, and olives, perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal suitable for all occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. brown rice
- 2 c. vegetable bouillon ⓘ
- 1 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 medium red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 can artichoke hearts ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. fresh peas or broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 c. green olives, chopped ⓘ
- lemon wedges for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, chopped red pepper, and minced garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the brown rice and cook, stirring, until the rice turns opaque, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the vegetable bouillon, tomato juice, salt, and cayenne pepper; bring to a boil.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and stir in the artichoke hearts.
- Cover tightly with a lid or foil and bake until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 1 hour.
- Stir in the rinsed chickpeas, peas or broccoli, and chopped green olives.
- Cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes, just until heated through.
- Garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the paella before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider adding saffron or smoked paprika for an additional depth. If brown rice isn't available, quinoa can be a great substitute. For a protein boost, feel free to add tofu or tempeh. Adjust the vegetables based on what's in season or on hand; zucchini or asparagus work well in this dish. Don't skip the lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella warm, garnished with lemon wedges for an extra zing. It pairs beautifully with a side of Marinated Kale for a healthy touch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some crusty bread. This is a wonderful dish for gatherings and can be easily doubled for larger groups.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent drying out, and heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish also makes a great lunch option the next day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice And Vegetable Paella contains roughly 1445 calories, with 33g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (133% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (115% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1988mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this paella ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the paella a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, adding a little liquid if necessary to keep it moist. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
Is this paella gluten-free?
Yes, this Brown Rice and Vegetable Paella is naturally gluten-free, as it uses brown rice and no wheat products. However, always check the labels on your vegetable bouillon and canned ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
What can I substitute for chickpeas?
If you're not a fan of chickpeas, you can substitute them with cannellini beans or edamame for a different texture and flavor. Both options will still provide a good source of protein and complement the other vegetables nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).