I could call this dish Vegetable Paella since that was the original intent, but it’s really so different now, I hesitate to do so. Hence the name given — Vegetable rice with soup. It came into existence unintentionally. I started out making Vegetable Paella from the cookbook Slow Cooker Bible from Crock Pot, but I left out the saffron (because I didn’t have any and didn’t foresee using it much in the future) and accidentally left out all seasonings (I remembered as soon as we spooned the mixture onto our plates). And having some left over split pea soup, I figured I’d serve it on the side. The soup was so thick that Wing plopped his serving onto the plate. Well, I guess it wasn’t as thick as he’d expected because it soon mixed with his rice dish. However, he was pleasantly surprised with the taste after the accidental mixing and told me I had to try it. So I did. I have to say, together they were really good. Separately, meh. Crazy but true. I urge you to try it this way (minus my mistake of forgetting to add seasonings to the paella of course) to see how you like it. Maybe we’re just strange, but if you’re like us, you may just find it to your liking! (Pictures are pre-soup discovery.)

Split Pea Soup with Rice and Vegetables

Vegetable Rice with Soup

  • Olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups rice
  • 2 cans vegetable broth (14.5 oz ea)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • Smoked paprika, ground turmeric
  • Salt
  • Red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 package (11 oz) frozen artichoke hearts
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • Pre-made vegetarian split pea soup

Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally until onion softens. Transfer to slow cooker. Add rice, broth, wine, and seasonings. Stir. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.

Add garbanzo beans, artichoke hearts, and peas to slow cooker. Cover and cook on high about 30 minutes until rice is tender and frozen vegetables are heated through. Mix in split pea soup. Serve hot.