The group is back in action. CEimB is once again being updated on a regular basis so if you would like to cook with us, sign up.
This weeks CEimB recipe was chosen by Margaret of Tea and Scones. You can find the recipe at her site. This wasn’t a vegetarian recipe and the week has been crazy so I had little time to think of anything wonderful for my version.
I did make myself something based upon the recipe and those changes are below. As for the “REAL” version, Ted LOVED it! His comment was “ This one gets a double A+”
The changes were as follows:
- Ted does not like chorizo sausage. I used Morning Star Breakfast links instead. Vegetarian so they made us both happy.
- For the chicken in the vegetarian version, I used large portabella mushrooms.
- Forgot to buy onions again. I used dried.
- No chicken broth. I used Veggie broth for both versions.
- No rice for me which means it wasn’t really a paella. I added black eyed peas instead. This meant reducing the broth otherwise it would have been way too liquid.
- Since I didn’t have fresh onions, I did not remove the chicken and links from the pan. I just added the onion and garlic and cooked for another minute or so.
Amazingly enough, I had saffron threads. Now who keeps saffron in their pantry on a regular basis?!!!
Both versions of the meal were very tasty. I would have liked the spiciness of chorizo sausage but even without the chorizo, this dish had heaps of flavor.
If you expect to experience a big WOW from the saffron, you won’t. It adds that special little something to a dish but it doesn’t make a big entrance.
I think there’s a Pac-Man trying to eat my black eyed pea!
That’s DEFINITELY a Pac Man but he’s going after the slice of portabella instead.
Ted didn’t have any intruders in his dish. Could that be because Pac Man is VEGETARIAN?!!!!
This was a very good meal. It wasn’t difficult and it wasn’t time consuming. You start it on the stove top and finish in the oven. Ellie does it again and Margaret of Tea and Scones picked a winner.
Joanne
I just could get a hunk of crusty bread and sit down with a bowl of your paella and have myself a good little lunch today. I always love how you make a vegetarian version as well as the meat one. That is so much work for you! I love that our group is going strong again. Great looking paella. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks. It’s good to see things happening at CEimB. You’re right.
It all looks delightful! I am always so eager to see all your subs and add-ins to make the recipe fit your family’s needs. I learn a lot. Nice photos of it all, too! Thanks for keeping it all going. It is a great incentive for me to cook the book!
Thanks, Kayte
Oh my gosh this looks amazing Joanne. I like your subs as well. You always give great alternative options.
Sometimes the subs work out well…and then there are those other times 😉
Your paella looks so good, I like paella a lot but have always thought it’s a difficult and time consuming dish to make at home.
Ellie’s recipe is really easy. You’ll love it.
Joanne, what a healthy and delicious looking paella. I love all of your vegetarian adaptations. I would love to give this dish a try.
Thanks.
Can’t wait to try this! It looks so outrageously good you just want to grab a fork & dig in!
I, too, thought paella was a long, drawn out process so I’m very much looking forward to making this dish for Bob and Mom. Think I’ll do it both ways too – – thanks for sharing!
Thanks Nancy. It’s easy and, bet anything, Bob and your mom with oh and ah over it.
Both versions of your paella look delicious. I am so glad the group is up and running again. Looks like we have some great recipes coming up next month!
I am impressed with how you changed this to fit your needs. Since, we do eat meat, occasionally, I was going to keep the chicken but ended up leaving it out and using the sausage. It is a guilty pleasure.
Yours had to be the best. I love the use of the mushrooms. I admit it. I would not have thought of that.
My hubby adores rice so he was thrilled with this. I am getting good vibes from most of us on this dish but your variation is grand.
this looks so tasty!
I also loved how Ellie’s version of paella is simple, straightforward, and one-pot! Now that I know I can whip this together so easily, I can see myself making it a lot more often.
By the way, I found “Soyrizo” at Trader Joe’s, and we absolutely loved it. Instead of having slices of sausage in our paella, we had little crumbles, but the flavor it added to the dish made it a must ingredient. So much healthier than regular chorizo, and just as tasty!
That looks incredible! I bought some saffron awhile ago to make shrimp paella with, I’m still intimidated by it, lol. Maybe I’ll give it a whirl tonight. Hmm…
Jenn
Both versions look great! I love the Morningstar Farms veggie sausages – I usually get the patties but I’m sure they’re pretty much the same? Even though I’m not a vegetarian, I prefer them to meat sausages. Yum! I haven’t tried it, but I have seen veggie chorizo in my grocery’s produce section (with the soy cheeses and whatnot) that you might want to try if you make this again.
Ohh we’re in Spanish mode 🙂 Like paella in every form and this vegetarian version is adorable too!
Cheers,
Gera