PP Quinoa and Butternut Squash Paella

Chef: Laura Theodore, Jazzy Vegetarian

Makes: 8 to 10 Servings

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 1 hr 10 min

Stand Time: Before Serving 10-15 min to firm up

Total Time: 1 hr 45 min

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid

• 1 ½ cups diced onion

• 4 cups chopped butternut squash (cut in 1-inch cubes)

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

• 1 ½ cups lightly packed, thinly sliced curly kale

• 1 ¾ cups quinoa, rinsed thoroughly

• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth, plus more as needed

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (see note)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 large red pepper, sliced into strips

• Lemon wedges, for garnish

• 2 to 3 scallions, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Put the tomatoes and their juice in a medium bowl and lightly mash using a potato masher or large fork. Put the onion and tomatoes in a 12-inch paella pan or large, deep skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Decrease the heat to medium low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the butternut squash. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chickpeas, kale, and quinoa. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.

2. Put the broth, garlic, sugar, lemon juice, turmeric, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl and stir to incorporate. Pour the broth mixture into the skillet and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. If the paella seems dry at this point, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable broth. Stir the paella one more time.

3. Arrange the red pepper slices over the top of the paella in a pleasing pattern. Cover and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and allow the paella to stand for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up.

4. Spoon the paella onto plates or cut into slices. Serve warm with a lemon wedge on the side. Sprinkle some of the chopped scallions (if using) on top of each serving.

TIP

1. You may use sweet paprika in this recipe.

With her love for good food, compassion for animals and enthusiasm for great music, multi-talented author, Laura Theodore, truly is the Jazzy Vegetarian. Experience the Jazzy Vegetarian at: Jazzy Vegetarian, and in Laura Theodore’s guide to plant based living in her book; Vegan-Ease, Streaming Online Television Channel: Jazzy Vegetarian TV, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest ,Twitter, Instagram, and her Talk Radio.