Best 8 Vegetable Couscous Paella Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant shores of Spain with this delectable Vegetable Couscous Paella recipe. This enticing dish, brimming with wholesome vegetables, tender couscous, and an array of aromatic spices, captures the essence of traditional paella while offering a delightful twist. Unlike its classic counterpart, this vegetarian paella employs the versatility of couscous, offering a unique textural experience that complements the medley of vegetables.

The Vegetable Couscous Paella is a symphony of flavors, colors, and textures, making it a feast for the senses. It's an ideal dish for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking a healthy and flavorful meal. The recipe provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can create this vibrant dish with ease.

Accompanying the Vegetable Couscous Paella recipe are two additional variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences. The Vegan Couscous Paella offers a plant-based alternative, while the Vegetable Quinoa Paella provides a gluten-free option, making this collection of recipes accessible to a wide range of individuals.

These recipes celebrate the versatility of paella, showcasing its ability to adapt to different dietary needs while maintaining its vibrant flavors. Whether you're a seasoned paella enthusiast or seeking a new culinary adventure, this collection of recipes will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

VEGETABLE PAELLA



Vegetable Paella image

The best vegetable paella recipe! It's loaded with vegetables, chickpeas, and savory, smoky rice. This Spanish dish is perfect for serving at dinner parties, since it's vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Recipe yields 6 hearty servings.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Main Dish

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
6 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (preferably the fire-roasted variety), drained
2 cups short-grain brown rice*
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
3 cups vegetable broth
1/3 cup dry white wine** or vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled (optional)
1 can (14 ounces) quartered artichokes or 1 jar (12 ounces) marinated artichoke, drained
2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and sliced into long, 1/2"-wide strips
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus about 1 tablespoon more for garnish
2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus additional lemon wedges for garnish
1/2 cup frozen peas

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.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 entree serving, Calories 437 calories, Sugar 8.2 g, Sodium 1265.8 mg, Fat 15.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 71.4 g, Fiber 11.3 g, Protein 9.8 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

VEGETABLE PAELLA



Vegetable Paella image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 - 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

8 vine-ripened plum tomatoes
Kosher salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon saffron threads
1 large bulb fennel, cut into 8 wedges
8 baby artichokes, trimmed and halved (see Cook's Note)
1 large Japanese eggplant, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed
2 cups dry white wine
2 1/2 cups short-grain paella rice
4 ounces haricots verts or string beans, halved if large
1/4 cup capers, drained
1/4 cup piquillo or roasted red peppers, cut into strips
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Core the tomatoes, cut into wedges and place in a medium bowl; season with salt, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and toss. Set aside.
  • Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet or a paella pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, paprika, cayenne and saffron and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the fennel wedges and cook until lightly browned on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip the fennel and add the baby artichokes and eggplant to the skillet; cook until slightly tender, about 4 more minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and simmer until reduced by about one-third. Stir in the rice and 1 3/4 teaspoons salt; add just enough water to cover the rice completely, 2 1/2 to 3 cups. Increase the heat to high and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Scatter the haricots verts and 2 tablespoons capers over the rice. Remove the pan from the heat and arrange the tomatoes on top; drizzle with any tomato juices.
  • Transfer the paella to the oven and bake, undisturbed, for 20 minutes. Scatter the remaining 2 tablespoons capers and the piquillo peppers over the paella. Turn off the oven but leave the paella inside to continue cooking until the rice is tender, 15 to 20 more minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired

ROASTED VEGETABLE PAELLA



Roasted Vegetable Paella image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds Holland bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
2 pounds fennel bulbs, tops and cores removed, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 pound baby eggplants, unpeeled, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
1 large red onion, 3/4-inch-diced
Good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (3/4-inch-diced) yellow onions (2 onions)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
1 teaspoon saffron threads
1 1/2 cups Spanish paella rice, such as Calasparra
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, undrained, such as Mancini
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (not regular paprika)
5 to 6 cups simmering chicken stock, preferably homemade
3 ounces freshly grated aged Manchego cheese
1/2 cup pitted Manzanilla or Cerignola olives, halved
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Position two racks evenly spaced in the oven.
  • Put the bell peppers, fennel, eggplants, and red onion in a large bowl, add 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper, and toss. Divide the vegetables between two sheet pans and spread in one layer. Roast for 45 minutes, tossing occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a 14- to 16-inch paella pan or large (11-inch) Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset. Add the yellow onions and saute for 6 to 8 minutes, until tender. Add the garlic and saffron and cook for one minute. Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice with oil. Place the jarred peppers (including their liquid) and paprika in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and process until pureed. Pour the mixture into the paella pan, stirring to combine, and bring to a boil. Add 1 cup of the hot stock and 2 teaspoons salt and cook uncovered over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed, as you would cook risotto. Continue to cook the rice over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring in 1 cup of hot stock at a time whenever the liquid is absorbed, until the rice is al dente
  • Add the vegetables to the paella, add one more cup of stock, and stir carefully. If the paella is dry, add more hot stock. Off the heat, stir in the Manchego cheese, olives, and scallions. Taste for seasonings and serve hot.

VEGETABLE COUSCOUS



Vegetable Couscous image

Looking for a different way to serve vegetables? These tiny pasta granules act like a magnet, pulling together the flavors of the chicken broth and vitamin-rich veggies. Carrots, celery, peppers and zucchini add fresh crunch and bright color.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 medium carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup julienned sweet yellow pepper
1/4 cup julienned sweet red pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium zucchini, diced
1/4 cup minced fresh basil or 4 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Dash hot pepper sauce
1 cup uncooked couscous
1-1/2 cups chicken broth

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, saute the carrots, celery, onion and peppers in oil for 5-6 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add the next five ingredients. , Stir in couscous. Add broth; bring to a boil. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5-8 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 272 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 513mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

COUSCOUS PAELLA



Couscous Paella image

Featuring fabulous seasoning and herbs-including coriander, turmeric and garlic-this shrimp paella makes eating healthy completely enjoyable.-Marcella Stevenson, Westminster, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
6 green onions, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) vegetable broth
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups uncooked couscous
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Lemon wedges

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute red pepper in oil for 2 minutes. Add onions and garlic; cook 1 minute longer. , Stir in broth and seasonings; bring to a boil. Add shrimp; cook for 2-3 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Return to a boil. Stir in the couscous, peas and butter. , Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with almonds and parsley. Serve with lemon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 343 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 172mg cholesterol, Sodium 841mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

VEGETABLE COUSCOUS PAELLA



Vegetable Couscous Paella image

Categories     Onion     Pasta     Pepper     Tomato     Vegetable     Vegetarian     Low/No Sugar     Dinner     Saffron     Artichoke     Chickpea     Pea     Bell Pepper     Fall     Vegan     Couscous     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
2 cups canned vegetable broth
3 large plum tomatoes (about 10 ounces), seeded, coarsely chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup drained canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1/2 cup chopped peeled carrot
1/4 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups (about 9 1/2 ounces) couscous
6 canned artichoke hearts, quartered
Sliced red bell pepper rings
1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
Chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and chopped bell peppers; sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and paprika and sauté 1 minute. Stir in broth and next 6 ingredients. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 5 minutes to blend flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Mix couscous into vegetable mixture. Cover and simmer 1 minute. Remove pot from heat. Let stand covered 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with fork. Let paella stand covered 5 minutes longer; fluff with fork again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. Arrange artichoke hearts, red bell pepper rings and lemon wedges atop paella. Sprinkle parsley over and serve.

VEGETARIAN COUSCOUS PAELLA



Vegetarian Couscous Paella image

Make and share this Vegetarian Couscous Paella recipe from Food.com.

Provided by SweetPnut

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons canola oil
1 red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen carrots
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup dry couscous
1 tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/2 cup almonds, chopped

Steps:

  • Place oil in large skillet or dutch oven at medium-high heat.
  • Add onion and garlic.
  • Cook until onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Add broth, peas, carrots, salt, turmeric and red pepper.
  • Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in uncooked couscous, tomato, parsley and almonds.
  • Cover and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344.7, Fat 12.1, SaturatedFat 1, Sodium 273.5, Carbohydrate 48.8, Fiber 7.7, Sugar 6.3, Protein 12.1

NORTH AFRICAN COUSCOUS PAELLA



North African Couscous Paella image

Make and share this North African Couscous Paella recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CarBroker

Categories     African

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
4 scallions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon coriander, ground
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 pinch cayenne
2 cups vegetable stock, hot
225 g prawns, shelled pre-cooked or 250 g tofu, cubed
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
1 cup couscous
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine
100 g almonds, flaked and toasted
salt and pepper
parsley, fresh chopped
lemon wedge

Steps:

  • Heat oil in saucepan. Add the peppers, scallions, garlic, coriander, turmeric and cayenne. Saute over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the stock or water. Add the shrimp or tofu and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the shrimp is pink. Stir in the peas and cook for another minute.
  • Mix in the couscous and butter or margarine. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Uncover the pan, and using a fork, fluff up the couscous and break up any lumps.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve on a platter, topped with toasted almonds, parsley and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 474.8, Fat 22.1, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 78.5, Sodium 449.1, Carbohydrate 49.2, Fiber 8.4, Sugar 4.9, Protein 21.9

Tips:

  • Use a good quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have saffron, you can use a pinch of turmeric instead. Be mindful, it may change the color of the dish.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the paella, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Make sure the couscous is cooked al dente. It should still have a slight bite to it.
  • Garnish the paella with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, before serving.

Conclusion:

This vegetable couscous paella is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its vibrant colors and flavors, this paella is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this vegetable couscous paella a try. You won't be disappointed!

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