Introduction

Paella is a dish that takes hours to cook with several ingredients, but what if you don’t have hours to spend?  Looking for a substitute for paella rice? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Paella is a popular Spanish dish with rice, seafood, and vegetables. While paella rice is the traditional ingredient for this dish, there are many other options you can try. This blog post will discuss ten substitutes for paella rice that are sure to please your taste buds!

1. Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is used for risotto and is also an excellent substitute for paella rice! Arborio rice has a creamy texture that pairs well with the seafood used in paella. With slightly sweet undertones, this rice parallels that of the traditional dish. While it cooks, Arborio rice gives off a nutty aroma. Remember that you will need to cook Arborio rice longer than regular rice to obtain the same results as paella rice.

2. Brown Rice

In addition to being a great alternative to paella rice, brown rice has some health benefits. Brown rice contains more protein and fiber than white rice and is a healthy option for those who need to lose weight. The two main ingredients of brown rice are husks from the grains, which are removed during processing.  Brown rice is rich in fiber and nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus.  Studies have shown that leaving the husks on before cooking brown rice results in more nutrients in the finished product.

3. Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is long grain rice and is native to Asia. In addition to being used in paella, this type of rice is also used in sushi and traditional dishes. This rice has an aroma that some describe as nutty and floral. Jasmine rice has a texture similar to that of Arborio rice and can be substituted if you do not want the added calories from the Arborio variety. Remember that you must cook this rice longer than Arborio or white rice.

4. Quinoa

Quinoa is not technically rice but can be used as a healthy substitute for rice. This seed is called “nature’s perfect protein” because it contains all eight essential amino acids. Quinoa is also a great source of calcium and iron. The downside to this substitute for paella rice is that you have to cook it for 20 minutes before you are ready to add any other ingredients. If you have the time, quinoa is a great substitute for paella rice.

5. Bulgur Wheat

Bulgur wheat is a job well done. Bulgur wheat is much like whole grain wheat, but with the addition of pre-cooked grains. This is an excellent substitute for paella rice because it cooks quickly and evenly. Bulgur wheat has the nutty flavor of Arborio rice but does not require much cooking time. You can add other ingredients to this cooked bulgur and make it your own!

6. Couscous

Couscous is a tiny pasta traditionally eaten by the people of North Africa. It is a great substitute for paella rice and can be made in minutes! Couscous is a low-carbohydrate food with less than five grams of carbohydrates per serving, making it perfect for those on a diet. Couscous has a nutty flavor and looks similar to Arborio rice. The couscous will do just fine if you are looking for a substitute for paella rice.

7. Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is long-grain white rice that originated in India and Pakistan. Basmati rice is long grain rice aromatic with a light, slightly sweet taste. This type of rice has a similar texture and appearance to that of Arborio and Jasmine rice. When cooking paella, it is recommended that you use Basmati with the other ingredients to add a new dimension of flavor, but not as the only ingredient.  This type of rice has high nutritional value and can be used for many of the same recipes as Arborio, Jasmine, and brown rice!

8. Wild Rice

Wild rice is a grain that grows along the shores of lakes and rivers in the northern parts of America. You may have eaten this type of rice without knowing it! Wild rice can be found in soups, stuffing, and muffin mixes. This grain is also a great source of fiber and protein. It is not as popular as other types of rice, but it has a nutty flavor that pairs well with similar taste foods like seafood. Wild rice can also be cooked simply with butter or margarine instead of using other fats to make the dish tastier!

9. Red Rice

Red rice (also called black sticky rice) boasts many different nutritional values than its white counterpart. The color is the first and most common difference between red and white rice. Red rice is a long grain variety of rice with a reddish hue. Red rice contains more fiber and iron than white rice as well.  This type of rice can be used in many different ways but not as a substitute for paella rice or Arborio rice because it requires a much longer cooking time to be ready for use in a dish!

10. Calrose Rice

Calrose rice is a long-grain variety of rice that originated in California and is now produced in many other countries. This type of rice has a short cooking time and can be used in main dishes, salads, or side dishes. Calrose rice has a creamy texture similar to Arborio rice. This grain is enriched with vitamins and minerals and contains high levels of zinc, thiamin, niacin, magnesium, potassium, selenium, iron, phosphorus, and protein.

Conclusion

Paella is a delicious dish that includes seafood, chicken, sausage, and other types of meat. Many people shy away from making this dish because of the time commitment. It takes time to cook paella on the stovetop, but this cooking method is perfect for any type of Spanish rice. This slow-cooking method allows the rice to be absorbed by all the ingredients and adds flavor to each component while cooked together.

There are many options to experiment with when looking for a substitute for paella rice. These substitutes include Arborio rice, Jasmine rice, brown rice, couscous, quinoa, bulgur wheat, and wild rice. There is a variety of grains that can be used in place of paella rice as well. The most common types of grain are Quinoa and Bulgur wheat. Your best bet is to experiment with every grain and find the one you like best!