Paella de Verduras (Vegetarian Paella)

Two ingredients are especially critical for making an authentic Spanish paella. The first is Spanish short grained rice, especially rice from Calasparra, either Bomba or regular. These are special Spanish rices that absorb large amounts of the broth without becoming creamy or sticky, as arborio and Asian rices do. Second is smoked paprika (pimentón de La Vera) lends a depth of flavor which is unique to Spanish cuisine. It is the secret ingredient that makes a paella authentic.