Jackfruit Takes Paella: A Vegan Twist on a Spanish Classic

This recipe brings the sunshine of Spain to your kitchen with a delicious twist! We're replacing traditional seafood with protein-packed jackfruit, creating a vibrant vegan paella perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon turmeric

Pinch of saffron threads

1 (14 oz) package vegan chorizo, sliced

1 (15 oz) can young jackfruit in brine, drained and shredded

1 ½ cups Bomba rice or Valencia rice

½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pan or paella pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Add the green peas, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, turmeric, and saffron threads. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Add the sliced vegan chorizo and shredded jackfruit to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the jackfruit to absorb the flavors.

Pour in the Bomba or Valencia rice, spreading it out evenly in the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes, covered. This allows the rice to steam and fluff up perfectly.

Garnish your delicious vegan paella with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

Tips:

For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

If you can't find Bomba or Valencia rice, use Arborio rice instead.

Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to your desired level of smokiness.

Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as artichoke hearts, asparagus, or green beans.

This flavorful Jackfruit Paella is a fantastic way to enjoy a plant-based twist on a classic Spanish dish. It's packed with protein, vegetables, and vibrant flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a showstopping addition to your potluck table.