Beans are always a hit with kids – their mild flavour and soft texture make them a staple in many family meals. This child-friendly paella puts a fun twist on the classic, swapping out rice for creamy cannellini beans. It’s a meal that’s packed with veggies, gentle spices, and loads of flavour, making it a dish that both kids and adults can enjoy together any night of the week. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings when you need something warm, nourishing, and easy to love.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 chorizo (mild), sliced in circles
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red capsicum, chopped
• 1 yellow capsicum, chopped
• 1 zucchini or asparagus, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavour)
• Thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Veggies
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and chorizo, and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until softened.
   • Add the capsicums and zucchini/aspargus, and sauté for another 5 minutes until veggies start to soften.
2. Build the Flavors
   • Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juices, about 3 minutes.
3. Add Cannellini Beans and Broth
   • Stir in the cannellini beans and pour in your chosen broth. Add a spring of your chosen herb. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
4. Add Frozen Peas
   • Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, until they’re heated through.
5. Serve and Garnish
   • Spoon the paella into bowls and serve.

Tips for Kid Appeal:

• Veggie Texture: Dice veggies finely if your child prefers smaller pieces, or leave them in larger chunks if they like a bit of texture.
• Custom Add-Ins: Kids might enjoy adding favourite toppings like sliced olives or a sprinkle of cheese.

Why This Works for Kids

• No-Spice Option: You can add a regular sausage instead or slices of bacon.
• Healthy Protein: Cannellini beans provide protein without a strong “bean” flavour, so they’re more likely to be a hit with kids.
• Quick Cooking: This dish comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights!