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One Pan Vegetable Quinoa Paella

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I've got this amazing vegetarian paella recipe that'll make you forget all about the traditional version! Instead of rice, it uses protein-packed quinoa that soaks up all those gorgeous Spanish spices while cooking with meaty mushrooms, tender chickpeas, and marinated artichoke hearts. The best part is everything comes together in just one pan, creating these incredible layers of flavor as the quinoa gets slightly crispy on the bottom - just like authentic paella! It's super versatile too - sometimes I'll throw in some shrimp or chicken for guests who want that option, but honestly, the vegetarian version is so satisfying that even meat-lovers ask for seconds.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:53:06 GMT
A colorful quinoa dish with red and yellow peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, chickpeas, and herbs, cooked in a dark skillet. Pin it
A colorful quinoa dish with red and yellow peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, chickpeas, and herbs, cooked in a dark skillet. | tastygusto.com

I love how this one-pan vegetable quinoa paella brings all those wonderful Spanish flavors together so easily. It's loaded with colorful veggies protein-rich quinoa and the most amazing spices. The best part? It's ready in under 40 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

My modern twist on traditional paella keeps all the flavor while making it healthier and easier. Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is a breeze and you can really make it your own by adding whatever protein or veggies you love. When it's done those colors and aromas are just incredible.

Everything You Need

  • Quinoa: 1 cup rinsed it adds such nice protein and nutty flavor.
  • Vegetable Broth: 2 1/2 cups warm makes everything so flavorful.
  • Vegetables: 1 cup each of peppers zucchini and peas for color and freshness.
  • Artichoke Hearts: 1/2 cup they add such nice briny flavor.
  • Chickpeas: 1 cup makes it extra hearty.
  • Spices: Turmeric or saffron and smoked paprika for that gorgeous color.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves minced it makes everything better.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
  • Lemon: 1 fresh squeezed brightens everything up.

Let's Make It Together

Start With Aromatics
Heat your oil and cook that garlic until it smells amazing about a minute.
Add Your Veggies
Toss in peppers zucchini and peas let them cook until just tender about 5-7 minutes.
Time for Quinoa
Add quinoa and those beautiful spices stir until everything's well coated.
Let It Simmer
Pour in your broth add chickpeas and artichokes cover and let it cook for 20 minutes.
Final Touch
Fluff it up squeeze over fresh lemon maybe add some parsley and serve it hot.
A colorful quinoa dish with chickpeas, assorted vegetables, and herbs in a black pan on a marble surface. Pin it
A colorful quinoa dish with chickpeas, assorted vegetables, and herbs in a black pan on a marble surface. | tastygusto.com

My Best Tips

Always rinse your quinoa first it gets rid of any bitterness. Don't overcook your veggies that little bit of crunch makes it special. If you can't find saffron turmeric works beautifully. A paella pan is nice but any big skillet does the job perfectly.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is so flexible. Love seafood? Add some shrimp or mussels. Want chicken? Toss some in. Keeping it vegan? Try tempeh or tofu. The vegetables are totally up to you too broccoli green beans or mushrooms all work great.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days just make sure they're in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat add a splash of water and warm it up slowly in a pan. You can even freeze portions for up to a month just thaw overnight before reheating.

Serving Ideas

I love serving this with a fresh green salad and maybe a glass of Spanish wine. Some crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up all those flavors. Want to make it even more special? Add some grilled shrimp skewers or lemon herb chicken on the side.

A colorful quinoa dish with chickpeas, bell peppers, artichokes, and herbs in a black skillet. Pin it
A colorful quinoa dish with chickpeas, bell peppers, artichokes, and herbs in a black skillet. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I add meat or seafood?

Yes, you can add chicken, shrimp, or other seafood. Cook meat before or along with the onions and garlic at the beginning.

→ Is saffron necessary?

While saffron provides traditional paella flavor, you can omit it if unavailable. The dish will still be flavorful from the other seasonings.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. Use any vegetables you have on hand, adjusting cooking times as needed.

→ Why use quinoa instead of rice?

Quinoa provides more protein and nutrients than rice while maintaining a similar texture. It also cooks more quickly.

→ Can I make this ahead?

This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated with a splash of broth.

One Pan Vegetable Quinoa Paella

A vegetarian twist on traditional paella using quinoa and loaded with vegetables. Made in one pan and ready in under 45 minutes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Vegetarian Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Spanish

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 1 medium white onion, chopped.
03 2-3 garlic cloves, minced.
04 1 cup chopped baby bella mushrooms.
05 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained & rinsed.
06 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes.
07 1 (14.5 oz) can artichoke hearts in water.
08 1 cup white quinoa.
09 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
10 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads.
11 2 cups vegetable broth.
12 1 cup frozen green beans.
13 1 bell pepper, sliced.
14 Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Cook onions and garlic in oil until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook 2-3 minutes more.

Step 02

Add chickpeas, tomatoes, artichokes, quinoa, paprika, saffron, and broth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 04

Stir in green beans and arrange peppers on top. Cover and cook 10 more minutes.

Step 05

Add lemon juice and serve.

Notes

  1. Can add seafood or chicken.
  2. Best served fresh.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 242
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 6 g