Spanish Fideos With Vegetables Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it perfectly combines vibrant veggies with aromatic spices, delivering an irresistible flavor that’s both comforting and exotic. Plus, it’s super easy to make and reminds me of a cozy, home-cooked meal that feels like a mini-vacation on a plate!

Creating the flavorful Spanish dish of Fideos with Vegetables is a labor of love. The dish takes 8 ounces of fideos and a concoction of sautéed finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil; diced red bell pepper; and zucchini.

Altogether, it makes a meal that delivers delicious nutrition. I add smoked paprika and saffron to give it depth; finish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to brighten it up.

Spanish Fideos With Vegetables Recipe Ingredients

• Fideos or Thin Spaghetti: Rich in carbohydrates, these provide energy and form the dish’s base.
• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat, it adds richness and helps sauté ingredients.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent flavor and various health benefits, including boosting the immune system.
• Red Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C, it adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a rich, smoky depth of flavor, enhancing the dish’s complexity.
• Saffron Threads: Impart a unique aroma and delicate earthy flavor, elevating the dish.
• Vegetable Broth: Infuses the dish with savory depth while keeping it plant-based.

Spanish Fideos With Vegetables Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces fideos or thin spaghetti, broken into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make this Spanish Fideos With Vegetables Recipe

1. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the fideos or broken pasta, and toast until golden and brown, making sure to stir frequently. Once they are nicely toasted and have a little color, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

2. In the same pan, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion until it is softened and translucent.

3. Place minced garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini into the frying pan. Sauté until the vegetables have more than a slight soften. They should be al dente.

4. Combine the smoked paprika, saffron threads, salt, and black pepper, ensuring these spices coat the vegetables evenly.

5. To the pan, return the toasted fideos and mix them well with the vegetables and spices.

6. Add the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).

7. Put the cherry tomatoes and peas into the pan, and give them an additional 3-5 minutes of cooking time until the tomatoes have softened and the peas are hot.

8. Season the dish to taste, adding more salt or pepper if you think it’s necessary.

9. Take off the fire and allow the dish to stand for a couple of minutes to soak up the last of the liquid.

10. Sprinkle freshly cut parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges for a bright and zesty finish.

Spanish Fideos With Vegetables Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pan
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cups
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Mixing bowl
8. Serving spoon or ladle
9. Lemon squeezer (optional)

FAQ

• What are fideos?Fideos are commonly used in Spanish and Mexican dishes. They are similar to thin spaghetti broken into short pieces but are not quite the same. What else is there to know about fideos?
• Can I substitute saffron in the recipe?You can substitute saffron with a pinch of turmeric for color, but the distinct flavor of saffron will be lacking in your dish.
• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?Definitely! Replace fideos with short pieces of gluten-free pasta.
• How do I toast fideos?In a pan, heat olive oil. Add the fideos.
  Stir very often. Do this over medium heat until the fideos are golden brown.
• Can this recipe be made ahead of time?Certainly, you can make it ahead of time and warm it through, but the fideos might take up more broth and become more luge in texture.
• Can I add protein to this dish?Of course! Adding shrimp that is cooked, chicken, or chickpeas to the recipe not only boosts the protein content but also enhances the overall flavor and makes it a lot more satisfying.
• How long will leftovers keep?Leftover food can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days at most.

Spanish Fideos With Vegetables Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Noodle or Vermicelli: Substitute with fideos or thin spaghetti.
Grapeseed oil or sunflower oil can be used in place of olive oil.
Saffron Threads: Use a small amount of turmeric for color, to replace saffron. But note that the flavor will differ.
Red bell pepper can be substituted with any of these: yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, or even roasted red peppers.
Zucchini: Use yellow squash or eggplant as substitutes.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Saffron Flavor To get the most out of your saffron, lightly crush the threads and soak them in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dish. This will help release their flavor and color more effectively.

2. Even Toasting When toasting the fideos or pasta, be patient and stir frequently to ensure even browning. This step adds a nutty depth to the dish, so don’t rush it.

3. Optimal Vegetable Texture Aim to keep the vegetables slightly al dente by not overcooking them in step 3. They’ll retain some bite and add a nice contrast in texture to the softer pasta.

4. Broth Flavor Boost For an added depth of flavor, use a high-quality vegetable broth or make your own. You can also add a splash of white wine to the broth for added richness.

5. Tomato Addition When adding the cherry tomatoes in step 7, lightly press them with a spoon to release their juices into the dish. This enhances the flavors and creates a more cohesive sauce.