Delicious Vegetarian Spanish “Chicken” Recipe with Peppers
Are you searching for a flavorful and filling vegetarian meal that will transport you to the coasts of Spain? Look no further than this Vegetarian Spanish “Chicken” with Peppers recipe. Packed with smoky Spanish paprika, aromatic fresh thyme, and a punch from cayenne pepper, this dish is sure to make an impression on your taste buds. And the best part? This one-pot wonder is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing your guests at a dinner party.
Not only is this recipe satisfyingly delicious, but it’s also nutritious. While traditional Spanish chicken dishes may call for chicken thighs or drumsticks, this recipe utilizes vegetarian chicken pieces to create a similar texture and flavor while being completely plant-based. The addition of colorful bell peppers not only offers an array of vitamins and antioxidants but their crunch adds texture to every bite. Plus, utilizing dry white wine in the sauce adds additional depth and robustness.
Whether you’re a meat lover looking to change it up or are committed to vegetarianism, this Vegetarian Spanish “Chicken” with Peppers recipe is the perfect way to expand your culinary horizons without sacrificing any flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy all your cravings? Look no further than this Vegetarian Spanish “Chicken” with Peppers Recipe. You don’t have to be a vegan or vegetarian to love this dish. The rich stew of smoky Spanish-style “chicken” and crisp bell peppers is versatile, full-flavored, and perfect for any occasion.
Firstly, let’s talk about the taste. The smoky flavor from the paprika and cayenne pepper, the sweetness of the bell peppers, and the tangy acidity of diced tomatoes come together beautifully in this recipe. The vegetarian chicken pieces provide perfect texture, while the fresh parsley and thyme add fresh herbal notes.
Secondly, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only one pot to cook everything in. Simply chop up some onions and garlic, sauté them in olive oil with flour, add your broth, seasonings and diced tomatoes, then add your vegetarian chicken pieces and peppers. Once it simmers for a bit, it’s ready to go!
Thirdly, this recipe has great versatility – you can easily substitute the vegetarian chicken pieces for real chicken if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian.
Moreover, it pairs well with any number of sides including rice like arroz con pollo or a stuffed pepper if you want to keep it entirely plant-based. The leftovers are also great in many different forms such as in a chicken traybake or use it as the filling for stuffed peppers.
In conclusion, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, whether you want something savory or sweet – this dish will fit the bill. Its hearty flavors will satisfy even the pickiest eaters while being easy enough that novice cooks can whip up an impressive meal they’re proud of. So why wait? Try this Vegetarian Spanish “Chicken” with Peppers Recipe today!
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need for the Vegetarian Spanish “Chicken” with Peppers Recipe. Don’t worry, you won’t find any chicken in this recipe! It’s a classic Spanish-style dish that’s often made with chicken thighs, but this recipe uses vegetarian chicken pieces instead.
Ingredients:
- Vegetarian chicken pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 sweet red peppers, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh thyme
- Dry white wine (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Note that you can use half smoked paprika and half sweet paprika to balance out the smokiness flavor. If you don’t have any vegetarian chicken pieces on hand, you could also substitute it with tofu or chickpeas.
The Recipe How-To
The first step to creating a delightful vegetarian Spanish “chicken” with peppers recipe is prepping the vegetarian chicken pieces. You can use various types, such as boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chicken breast or drumsticks.
Seasoning the Vegetarian Chicken Pieces
After prepping the chicken pieces, it is time to season them with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper to bring out that smoky Spanish heat bursting with flavor in each bite.
Sautéing Garlic, Onion, and Peppers
In a saucepan or one-pot pan over medium-high heat, heat up olive oil and sauté garlic, onion, and medium-sized diced bell peppers. Adding thyme to this mixture would bring an amazing aroma with an extra flavor boost.
Adding Vegetarian Chicken Pieces
Once the garlic-onion-pepper mixture is sauteed to perfection, reduce the heat and add your seasoned vegetarian chicken pieces to cook. Once they’re cooked evenly and made deliciously flavorful by the spices used in seasoning them earlier, use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a plate.
Creating Your Flavorful Sauce
Next up, create your flavorful sauce using tomato sauce (either canned or homemade) mixed with dry white wine. Stir well for about 2-3 minutes before adding your all-purpose flour (one tablespoon), stirring it all together until it’s smooth.
Add chicken broth and any other preferred seasonings such as salt and some sweet red paprika if needed. Let it come to a simmer while stirring continuously for another 2-3 minutes until you have your desired thickness.
Simmering Vegetables in Sauce
This is where it gets even more interesting; add the cooked diced tomatoes to saucepan then return the vegetarian chicken pieces back into it. Mix well allowing them to simmer in sauce for at least 15-20 minutes on low heat while covered.
Garnishing with Fresh Parsley
Your flavorsome vegetarian Spanish “chicken” with peppers recipe is almost ready! Just (softly) scattering fresh parsley leaves over it before serving will make all the difference in terms of taste as well as presentation. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
This dish is fairly versatile when it comes to substitutions and variations. If you don’t have any vegetarian chicken pieces on hand, you can easily swap them for tofu or tempeh to make it vegan-friendly. You could also use mushrooms as a substitute for a meatier texture.
If you want to add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or throw in some diced jalapeño peppers, or experiment with different paprikas such as smoked paprika or hot paprika. For a milder taste, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and regular paprika.
Bell peppers are an essential ingredient in this recipe, but you can certainly experiment with different colors such as yellow or orange. You could even try using poblano peppers for a smoky Spanish twist.
If you cannot find fresh thyme, dried thyme will also work well. Other herbs like rosemary or oregano could also be added for extra depth of flavor.
If you don’t consume alcohol, you could substitute the dry white wine for vegetable broth instead, though it may affect the overall flavor profile slightly.
Additionally, if you’re looking for more ways to use this recipe, try serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or stuffed inside bell peppers for an array of textures in one dish. This recipe is highly adaptable and can be easily tweaked to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Serving and Pairing
Once you have made this delicious vegetarian Spanish “chicken” with peppers recipe, it is time to serve and pair it perfectly. This savory dish is versatile enough to serve on its own or accompany other dishes at a dinner party.
You can garnish it with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. It’s also great served on top of rice, quinoa, or salad to make it a complete and satisfying meal. The flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the rice, making it an ideal side dish for the chicken.
Another excellent pairing for this dish is a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in the wine complements the tomatoes and peppers’ sweetness and balances the smoky flavors from the paprika and cayenne pepper.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can try serving this vegetarian chicken stew with sweet red or roasted red peppers stuffed with cheese or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can enjoy it with a side of crusty bread to dip into the rich sauce and soak up all of its delicious flavors.
In conclusion, there are many ways to serve and pair this vegetarian Spanish chicken recipe that will impress your guests and make for a delightful meal anytime.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this Vegetarian Spanish “Chicken” With Peppers Recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Leftovers also store well in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy meal.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the point of adding the chicken pieces. You can prepare this portion a day or two in advance and store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to continue with the recipe.
After fully cooking the dish, allow it to cool slightly before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or gently heat on the stovetop. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, consider freezing your leftovers. Place cooled portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
When reheating from frozen, allow the dish to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop. For best results, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help rehydrate the dish during reheating.
With these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips, you can have a delicious and convenient meal ready whenever hunger strikes.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking can be an adventure, and even with the best of intentions, sometimes our dishes don’t turn out quite as we had hoped. When it comes to this Spanish-style Vegetarian Chicken with Peppers recipe, there are a few tips that can help make sure the dish is perfect every time.
Firstly, when cooking the vegetarian chicken pieces, make sure they are evenly cooked by turning them frequently. If pieces are not browned on all sides, your dish may end up unevenly seasoned and textured.
Secondly, it’s important to remember that the dish relies heavily on seasoning. Be generous with salt, cayenne pepper and paprika – this will ensure that the flavors come through strong and add complexity to the dish.
Thirdly, fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add a touch of freshness and color to the dish. Make sure to use fresh herbs rather than dried ones for optimal flavor.
Fourthly, make sure to not overcook the bell peppers – they should be tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooking them can lead to a mushy and unappetizing texture.
Lastly, if you’d like to make this dish even heartier, consider adding some black beans or other vegetables such as zucchini or corn. This will add more nutrients and bulk up the meal without compromising any flavors.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to have a successful and delicious Vegetarian Spanish “Chicken” with Peppers recipe every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the vegetarian Spanish “chicken” with peppers recipe is a delicious and vibrant dish that you wouldn’t want to miss. It boasts a combination of savory and smoky flavors from the vegetarian chicken pieces, spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights or for those who want to minimize clutter in the kitchen.
Even if you’re not vegan, this recipe has so much to offer in terms of taste and nutrition. You can still enjoy every aspect and not feel like you’re missing any flavor. It’s also versatile, allowing for different variations such as using different veggies or types of rice.
Lastly, this dish pairs well with many sides like salads or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its colorful presentation and hearty flavor. So go ahead and try it now; trust us; your taste buds will thank you!
Vegetarian Spanish “chicken” With Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetarian chicken pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 (12 ounce) jar whole roasted sweet red peppers, drained and sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 1 (22 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In plastic bag, toss veggie chicken with flour to coat.
- In large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat.
- Brown chicken on all sides, tossing often, for about 2 minutes per side.
- Transfer veggie chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add red peppers, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne, and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in wine and tomatoes.
- Nestle veggie chicken in sauce and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer, occasionally spooning sauce over veggie chicken, for about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley right before serving.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.