Imagine a sizzling pan of golden rice, crispy tofu, and vibrant vegetables that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Spain – without leaving your kitchen! This Vegetable Paella with Tofu is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines traditional Spanish cooking techniques with a modern, plant-based twist that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Press the tofu block between paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Season the tofu cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the tofu cubes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove tofu and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the chopped bell peppers and green beans until they start to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes and saffron to the pan, stirring to combine and release the saffron's flavor. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the rice and vegetable broth, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer without stirring.
- Cook the rice for about 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice develops a crispy bottom layer (socarrat).
- Gently return the crispy tofu to the pan, nestling the pieces into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Tofu Preparation is Key: Always press your tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This ensures a crispy, golden exterior that adds incredible texture to your dish.
- Achieve the Coveted Socarrat: The crispy rice bottom is the hallmark of an authentic paella. Don't stir the rice too much and let it develop a golden, crispy layer at the bottom of the pan.
- Saffron Matters: Use high-quality saffron to get that authentic paella flavor and beautiful golden color. A little goes a long way!
- Pan Selection: Use a wide, shallow pan (preferably a traditional paella pan) to ensure even cooking and maximum crispy rice surface.
- Let it Rest: Always allow your paella to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables, or garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
