VEGETABLE PAELLA

so...here's the thing....i have had this recipe FOREVER. do any of you ever look at a recipe and in that split second you think...."nice, i want to make that!" and then every time you actually go to make dinner you skip over it because you don't actually think it seems that interesting anymore? well...this was that. I sure am glad though that i finally decided to make this because not only was it easy....but i dare say it is one of my favorite new recipes! alright....enough blabber...here's the recipe:

1 c. rice
1 lb asparagus, cut into 2" pieces
3 c. fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. saffron (if you don't have that you can use 1/4 tsp. turmeric but saffron is much better!)
2 large tomatoes, chopped
2-15 oz cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
1-10 oz. bag frozen sweet peas

Cook rice in water as directed on package; set aside and keep warm.

In a saucepan, heat 1" of water to boiling. Add asparagus and broccoli; return to boiling. Boil this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, and then add the peas and continue to boil, stirring occasionally, for another 2 minutes or until asparagus and broccoli are crisp-tender. (i know that was a horrible run-on sentence..but oh well ;p) Drain mixture in colander.

Coat that same pot with the olive oil and place on med-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, salt, saffron, and asparagus mixture and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is crisp-tender.

Stir in the remaining ingredients (including the rice) and serve immediately.