Happy National Spanish Paella Day!

Blogger of the Day: Emily at Fig and Basil

Paella is an exuberantly colorful and flavorful dish arising from the spinningly gorgeous Valencia region of Spain on the Mediterranean coast. Often a part of community celebrations and food-driven festivals, it is traditionally prepared with all sorts of local fare including little innocent snails and shrimp. Emily kindly replaces these snatched-from-the-sea beings with ground sea vegetables to achieve that briny vibe...so smart! She grinds her own but you can buy an easy seasoning mix like seaweed gomasio, or you can use any flavored salt you wish  (or just skip it). She also serves her Spicy Paella Soup with Lemon Saffron Rice (recipe provided at the link) but you can serve it with any type of rice that you like.  :)

Emily is a Holistic Nutritionist/Brilliant Designer by trade...her blog is just dripping with going-to-make-you-hungry vegan lusciousness. She shows off fabulous photos, step-by-step instructions and helpful healthy info. And a true love for Spain, so she has not one but two versions of Paella!  :)

Spicy Paella Soup

Artichoke Paella

Cheezy Mexican Noodles

Indian Dahl Stew

Coconut Curry Bisque with Mushrooms

Smoked Tofu Rice Wraps with Spicy Peanut Ginger Dip

Mushroom & Asparagus Quinoa Risotto

Hummus Burgers

Portobello Tacos

Ultimate Pancakes

Homemade Dairy-free Ice Cream

Where was the best paella you've ever eaten? What veggies and extras would you put in it? Have you visited the sunny coast of Spain? Who would you share your paella pan with?  ;)

Check out the rest of our 2014 Daily Food Holiday and Featured Blogger Series!