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Spanish Paella

Irresistible Spanish Paella: Easy Recipe for Flavorful Fun

This Spanish Paella is a vibrant, one-pan dish that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table, perfect for gatherings and adaptable to various diets.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Rice Base
  • 400 g Short-grain Rice Substitute with bomba or arborio if unavailable.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use high-quality oil for best results.
For the Sofrito
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped finely.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Chopped finely.
  • 1 red and 1 green Bell Peppers Chopped small.
  • 2 medium Tomatoes Diced.
For Flavoring
  • 1 pinch Saffron Can be substituted with turmeric for color.
For Proteins
  • 500 g Seafood (Shrimp, Mussels, Clams) Buy fresh for best results.
  • 250 g Chicken Cut into bite-sized pieces.
For the Broth
  • 1 liter Broth Homemade or quality stock.
For Color and Texture
  • 1 cup Peas Can include artichokes for added texture.

Equipment

  • Paella pan

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Chop 1 medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 red and 1 green bell pepper finely. Dice 2 ripe tomatoes. Clean 500g of seafood and cut 250g of chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large paella pan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 5 minutes until softened. Add diced tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Add chicken pieces to the pan with the sofrito and sear for 7-8 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Once chicken is seared, reduce heat slightly and add 500g of seafood. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until seafood begins to turn opaque.
  5. Sprinkle 400g of short-grain rice evenly across the pan and stir gently to coat with the sofrito.
  6. Pour 1 liter well-heated broth over the rice. Bring to a rapid boil for 2 minutes, then lower heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle peas over the top and cover with a kitchen towel or lid. Let it steam for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and let the paella rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  9. Fluff the rice with a fork, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Choose a wide, shallow paella pan for even cooking. Avoid stirring after adding broth for best socarrat formation.

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