Why Make This Recipe

Paella is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Spain right to your table. Known for its colorful presentation and rich taste, paella is perfect for gatherings or a family meal. It’s a fantastic way to combine various ingredients, providing a unique seafood and meat experience. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, making cleanup a breeze!

How to Make Paella

Ingredients:

• Olive oil (2 tbsp)
• Onion (1, chopped)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Red bell pepper (1, sliced)
• Tomatoes (2, chopped)
• Saffron threads (a pinch)
• Chicken broth (4 cups)
• Arborio rice (2 cups)
• Chicken thighs (4, cut into pieces)
• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
• Mussels (1 lb, cleaned)
• Peas (1 cup)
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell pepper until they are soft.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and saffron, cooking for about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
5. Stir in the Arborio rice, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add the chicken, shrimp, and mussels to the pan, cooking until the rice is tender and the seafood is thoroughly cooked.
7. Stir in the peas, and then garnish the dish with lemon wedges.

How to Serve Paella

Serve paella straight from the pan for a rustic feel. You can place lemon wedges on the side for those who want a little extra zing. It pairs well with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. Enjoy your meal with family and friends for a true Spanish experience!

How to Store Paella

If you have leftovers, let the paella cool down and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat while adding a little broth or water to avoid it drying out.

Tips to Make Paella

• Make sure to use a large enough pan so that the rice cooks evenly.
• Don’t forget to soak the saffron in warm water beforehand to enhance its flavor.
• For extra flavor, consider adding some chorizo or other seafood like clams or squid.

Variation

You can easily customize your paella. Instead of chicken and seafood, try using just vegetables for a vegetarian version or experiment with different types of meat like rabbit or duck.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, while Arborio rice is ideal, you can use other types of short-grain rice such as Bomba or Calasparra, which are traditional for paella.

2. Is paella a dish I can make ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat it before serving.

3. What can I add to make it spicy?
To add heat, consider including a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili peppers while cooking the vegetables.