The Paella That’s Good for Your Skin & Sanity

Let’s talk comfort food without the crash.

We love a cozy bowl of something warm and satisfying, especially when it hits all the right notes: nourishing, vibrant, and mood-boosting. This vegetarian paella is just that. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and plant-based protein, it’s the kind of meal that feeds your skin, your microbiome, and your serotonin (yes, really).

And it happens to be stunning on a dinner table. Major bonus.

Why Your Skin and Mood Will Thank You

We’re big believers in beauty from within, and this dish checks all the right boxes:

• Saffron: The star of our Mood Gummies and this paella. Not just for color this spice has clinically backed benefits for emotional balance. It supports serotonin regulation, which can help ease stress and improve clarity (exactly why we put it in gummy form too).

• Tomatoes + Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C and lycopene, both crucial for collagen synthesis and skin protection.

• Chickpeas: Plant protein and zinc, a key mineral for skin repair and hormonal balance.

• Short-grain rice: Satisfying without the sugar crash. Balanced carbs = balanced mood.

So yes, this is comfort food but leveled up with purpose.

Lisa’s Tip:

“Adding lemon over the top just before serving isn’t optional it’s essential. The vitamin C helps with iron absorption and gives the whole thing a bright, clean finish that feels as good as it tastes.”

The Skin-Loving Paella (No Meat, No Problem)

Ingredients:

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Pinch of saffron threads

• 1 ½ cups short-grain rice (like Bomba or Arborio)

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 3 ½ cups veggie broth (warm)

• 1 can chickpeas, drained

• 1 cup frozen peas

• Lemon wedges + fresh parsley for garnish

• Sea salt, black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a wide, shallow pan. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic, paprika, and saffron; stir until fragrant.

2. Add rice and toast it in the pan for a couple minutes it should smell a little nutty.

3. Pour in tomatoes and warm broth. Season with salt. Stir once, then don’t touch it again.

4. Let it simmer uncovered until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender (about 20–25 minutes).

5. Scatter chickpeas and peas over the top during the last 5 minutes.

6. Let the pan rest off heat for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Serve with a tall glass of water (we’d add Super Beauty Elixir, obviously) and call it a night.

Final Note!

You don’t have to be perfect to nourish your skin. You just need simple, smart rituals that work from the inside out and taste really, really good along the way.

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