The traditional paella is a celebration, and this version ensures you get a nutrient-dense, high-fibre meal that beautifully supports your recovery—all without heavy meat! Perfect for busy Manchester weeknights, this dish delivers complex carbs for energy restoration and fibre for gut health. that is ready in under 45 minutes. Tuck in and enjoy!
Why This Paella Fuels Your Performance
Complex Carbohydrates: The rice provides the essential fuel needed to replenish muscle glycogen stores after a workout, readying you for the next session.
Fibre & Protein Power: Butter beans are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fibre, which aids digestion and promotes long-lasting satiety (a great Anti-Diet mindset shift!).
Antioxidants: The vibrant vegetables deliver essential vitamins and antioxidants to fight inflammation caused by training.
Meal Info
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time:: 35 minutes
Servings:: 4 people
Ingredients
1 liter vegetable stock
1 tsp saffron
1 white onion
1 red bell pepper
100 g green beans
1 tin butter beans
3 cloves garlic
1 large tomato
1.5 cups arborio rice
0.75 cups frozen peas
1/2 jar artichokes in oil
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
lemon wedges to serve
parsley to garnish
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics (5 mins): Heat the oil in a large, shallow paella pan or wide frying pan. Add the onion and cook gently until softened (about 3 minutes). Add the peppers and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, and smoked paprika.
Bloom the Saffron: If using, dissolve the saffron threads in a small spoonful of hot stock and set aside.
Add Rice (2 mins): Stir the rice into the pan and cook for 1 minute until the grains are translucent around the edges.
Simmer: Pour in the hot stock and the saffron liquid. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Do not stir the rice again! This is crucial for forming the crunchy ‘socarrat’ base.
Cook & Add Beans (15 mins): Let the paella simmer gently for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, gently fold in the butter beans and frozen peas. Continue simmering for another 5–8 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender but firm.
Rest & Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Cover loosely with foil or a clean tea towel and let it rest for 5 minutes (this allows the heat to finish cooking the top rice layer).
Garnish: Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Ready to Fuel with Flavour?
This High-Fibre Paella makes fuelling for performance easy and delicious. It’s a perfect meal to support your body’s need for complex energy and high-quality nutrients after any hard Strength & Performance session.
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