Vegetarian Paella

6 servings

Don't be intimidated by the number of ingredients in the paella (pi-AY-ya). This is an easy dish to make, and the results are splendid. If saffron isn't available, substitute 1 teaspoon turmeric (but don't dissolve in water).

1 ½ Tbs. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 to 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 2-inch-long strips
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 2-inch-long strips
14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes
15-oz. can vegetable broth
2 cups uncooked quick-cooking brown rice
1 tsp. saffron threads, dissolved in small amount of hot water
½ tsp. dried thyme
14-oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
1 ½ cups frozen peas, thawed
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. salt

Meal plan: To complete this one-dish meal, add a salad of mixed greens tossed with seedless orange sections and toasted sliced almonds, dressed in a low-fat vinaigrette. End with any fresh fruit left from the week.

In large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
Set aside half the red pepper strips for garnish. Add all remaining pepper strips to onion mixture and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes (with liquid), broth, rice, saffron mixture, thyme and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Stir in artichoke hearts, peas, half the parsley and salt. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste and add a little water to moisten if needed. Cook, stirring, just until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Transfer paella to large, shallow serving dish and garnish with circle of reserved red pepper strips. Sprinkle with remaining parsley and serve hot.