Description
A flavorful and vibrant Spanish Paella recipe that combines a mix of chicken, shrimp, mussels, calamari, and vegetables with saffron-infused rice. This dish is a delicious one-pot meal that captures the essence of traditional Spanish cuisine.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive Oil (Spanish EVOO if you have it)
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (1/2 red and 1/2 green)
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 3 roma tomatoes, very finely diced (or 8 oz. tomato sauce)
- Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon paprika, sweet or smoked
- 1 pinch saffron threads*
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces*
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, divided
- 2 cups Spanish Rice*
- 5 cups Chicken Broth*
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 lb Jumbo Shrimp or prawns, about 12, peeled, tail on
- 1/2 lb Mussels (about 10-12), cleaned properly (beards off)
- 8 oz calamari rings
- Lemons, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until translucent. Add tomatoes, bay leaf, paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes. Pour in white wine and cook for 10 minutes, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Add Protein and Rice: Introduce chicken, parsley, and rice to the skillet. Cook briefly.
- Add Broth and Cook: Slowly pour in chicken broth, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Cook without stirring for about 15-18 minutes.
- Finish with Seafood: Nestle shrimp, mussels, and calamari into the rice mixture. Sprinkle peas on top and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Rice: Use traditional Spanish rice for the best results. If not available, medium-grain rice can be substituted.
- Meat: Chicken can be replaced with pork, turkey, rabbit, or chorizo.
- Seafood: Customize with your favorite seafood or omit for a different variation.
- Saffron: Invest in good quality saffron for authentic flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 535 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1159mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 260mg