| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 396 | 15g | 2g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 10g | 13g | 1.1g |
Oh, the endless appeal of a good Paella! Nothing spells comfort and joy to me like a generous panful of Savory Ricebean Paella. Much akin to my Spanish heritage, Paella intertwines the memories of countless family dinners and the aroma of delectable spices wafting through our Miami home. Marrying the homely delight of ricebeans (Vigna Umbellata) with the bursting flavors of a myriad of vegetables, this dish holds a special place in my culinary experiences.
The Cuisine Confluence
The Savory Ricebean Paella is a versatile dish with its roots both in the traditional Spanish Paella Valenciana and the Cuban Moros y Cristianos. Yet, it embraces a unique identity, casting an enchanting spell on your taste buds. The way the simmering vegetable broth blends into the ricebeans to create a warm, hearty base while the turbid flavors of bell peppers, onions, peas, and corn along with the spirited notes of garlic and tomatoes adding an irresistible depth is indeed an experience of its own. This vegetarian nirvana is crowned by dashes of turmeric, paprika, pepper, and sea salt, each doing its sensuous dance enhanced by the grandeur of olive oil. With each bite, you can taste the distinct identity of every ingredient, yet marvel at the symphony they create together.
Nutrition, Flavor, and Joy: A Troika
Beyond the flavor, what truly endears me to this recipe is its myriad health benefits. Ricebeans are a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals without any cholesterol. The rainbow of vegetables infuse the dish with delightful flavors, colors, and a cornucopia of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The olive oil adds a generous dose of healthy fats essential for organ health and hormonal balance. Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, and paprika, lauded for its antioxidant properties, accentuate the nutritional profile of this dish. Each mouthful of this Savory Ricebean Paella is not just a treat to your tastebuds, but also a boon to your health.
To relish the Savory Ricebean Paella in all its glory, pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or delight in it alongside some grilled plantains or a refreshing avocado salad. So, next time you are contemplating comfort, joy, flavor, and health, all in a single pan, let your choice be the Savory Ricebean Paella!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of ricebeans (vigna umbellata)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1.5 cups of green beans, chopped
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 cup of corn kernels
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
In a large frying pan or sauté pan, heat 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, around 5 minutes.
Step Two
Add the diced tomatoes, chopped green beans, peas, and corn kernels to the pan. Sauté for 5 more minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step Three
Rinse the ricebeans under cold water until the water runs clear, then add them to the pan. Stir well so that the ricebeans are coated in the oil and the vegetables are mixed in. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the ricebeans start to become translucent.
Step Four
Stir in turmeric, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step Five
Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the ricebeans are cooked and have absorbed the broth.
Step Six
Let the paella rest offline for 5 minutes before serving. Serve the paella garnished with fresh chopped parsley, and with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
