Imagine transporting yourself to the sun-drenched coast of Spain without leaving your kitchen – and doing it in just 40 minutes! This One Skillet Healthy Paella is not just a meal, it's a flavor-packed adventure that proves healthy cooking can be both incredibly delicious and astonishingly simple. Whether you're a busy home cook, a health enthusiast, or someone who craves restaurant-quality meals without the complexity, this recipe is your golden ticket to a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shrimp (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping onion, bell pepper, and mincing garlic. Measure out all spices and have vegetable broth ready.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a light coating of olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in brown rice, ensuring grains are coated with oil and vegetables. Toast rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover skillet and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- If using shrimp, add during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Gently fold in frozen peas in the final 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot directly from the skillet.
Tips
- Rice is the Star: Use brown rice for added nutrition, but ensure you toast it briefly to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
- Saffron Secret: While optional, saffron adds authentic Spanish flavor. If you can't find it, a pinch of turmeric can provide a similar golden color.
- Vegetable Timing: Sauté vegetables in stages to develop layers of flavor and ensure proper texture.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: Always maintain the right rice-to-liquid proportion to achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
- Let it Rest: The 5-minute resting period after cooking is crucial – it allows flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining moisture.
- Customization Friendly: Feel free to swap shrimp with chicken, chorizo, or keep it vegetarian. This recipe loves adaptability!
- One-Pan Wonder: Embrace the one-skillet method – it means less cleanup and more enjoyment of your delicious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
