Mediterranean Paella (Vegetarian)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 3-4 Spanish saffron threads
• 2 cups rice (uncooked)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 cup black olives (whole)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2-1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup roma tomato, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Place saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Stir around and then set it aside.

2. 2

   In a large pan or dutch oven, sauté the uncooked rice in the olive oil for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. 3

   Add vegetable broth, green beans, black olives, bell pepper, saffron mixture, white pepper, cayenne, and tomato.

4. 4

   Cook, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the water is evaporated, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.