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Home > Recipes of the Month > Easy Peasy Paella

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Easy Peasy Paella

Prep time: 10 min.     Total Time: 25 min.     Servings: 3

Paella, a classic Spanish dish, is known for its rich flavors and lengthy preparation time—but not this version! Quick, low-calorie and nut-free, this recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying. Customize it to suit your preferences by making it vegetarian, vegan or low sodium. Enjoy this delicious, one-pot meal that's perfect for any occasion! 

Want more great recipes? See all of our Recipes of the Month.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 T. olive oil
  • 1 T. garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 t. paprika
  • 2 t. basil or thyme, dried
  • 2 c. cooked brown rice (or alternate grain of choice, such as white rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, etc.)
  • 1 14.5-oz. can of tomatoes, crushed or diced
  • 1c. chicken or veggie broth (no salt or low sodium)
  • 1 c. frozen peas
  • 1-2 of the following protein options:
    • 1 5-oz. can white albacore tuna in water (no salt)
    • 1 c. precooked shrimp (peeled, tail off, no salt)
    • 1/2 c. chorizo
    • 1 c. roasted chicken strips or plant-based chicken pieces
    • 1 c. tofu, cubed
  • ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 t. salt (optional)
  • 1 T. turmeric or saffron (optional)
  • 1 cup bell peppers, fresh or frozen
  • 1 T. parsley leaves
  • 4 fresh lemon slices (optional)
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Directions

  1. Heat the oil and garlic in a large pan. Add the garlic and onion and heat for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the paprika, basil and rice (or alternate grain), stir for 1-2 minutes then mix in the tomatoes, broth and frozen peas.
  3. Bring to a slight boil before adding the protein(s), as well as the black pepper (plus turmeric/saffron and salt, if using). Cook uncovered on medium heat for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Add the bell peppers. Cover with a lid and simmer for 5-7 additional minutes (stirring periodically to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan).
  5. Be sure any raw proteins are fully cooked (or reheated) prior to serving.
  6. After plating, lightly garnish each serving with parsley and add a fresh lemon slice (optional). You can bump up the "zest" in this dish by spritzing the paella with fresh lemon juice from those slices if using.

Nutritional Information

Per serving:  (calculated using brown rice, chicken broth and tuna) 189 calories (45 from fat), 4 g total fat, (24 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 138 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 19 g protein.
Exchanges:  2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 protein, ½ fat

GLUTEN-FREE recipes are prepared without any wheat, barley, rye or triticale. Check the label on each ingredient to make sure the brand you are using does not contain these grains in any form (flour, bread stuffing, bran germ, malt, starch, etc.).

All exchange values are approximate. When an optional or additional ingredient is offered, exchange values may change.

Previous Recipes of the Month

Members can access all of our great recipes, including our previous Recipes of the Month, by going to the Recipe of the Month Archive page.

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