Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that is typically made with rice, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. It is a very versatile dish that can be made with many different ingredients, and it is also relatively easy to make. Paella is a great dish to serve for a party or large gathering, and it can also be made ahead of time and reheated.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces frozen green peas
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound mussels, scrubbed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Method
1. Heat the oil in a large paella pan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and red pepper, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and saffron, and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is evenly coated with the spices and the vegetables are beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, white wine, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the chicken, green peas, shrimp, and mussels, and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the shrimp and mussels are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Potential changes & improvements
There are many different ingredients that can be used in paella, so feel free to experiment and change up the recipe to suit your taste. Some other ingredients that can be used include chorizo, lobster, scallops, squid, and crayfish. You can also use different types of seafood, such as clams or crabs. You can also use different types of rice, such as Arborio or Basmati.
If you want a vegetarian paella, you can omit the chicken and seafood, and use additional vegetables instead. Some other vegetables that can be used include zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, and asparagus. You can also use different types of beans, such as chickpeas or lentils.
What other food it works well with
Paella pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a salad, roasted vegetables, or bread. It can also be served with aioli or salsa verde. For a complete meal, you can also add a dessert, such as flan or a fruit salad.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making paella is to overcook the rice. The rice should be cooked until it is tender but still slightly firm to the bite. If the rice is overcooked, it will be mushy and will not have the desired texture. Another common mistake is to use too much liquid, which will also result in mushy rice. It is important to use just enough liquid so that the rice can absorb it and cook properly.
Another mistake is to use the wrong type of rice. Paella is traditionally made with short-grain rice, such as Arborio or Calrose. These types of rice have a higher starch content, which helps to create the desired creamy texture. If you use a long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, the paella will be less creamy and more dry.
Nutritional Information
Paella is a relatively high in calories and fat, due to the use of chicken, seafood, and rice. It is also high in protein and carbohydrates. Paella does not contain any dairy products or gluten.
Allergens
Paella contains chicken, seafood, rice, and peas. It may also contain other allergens, depending on the ingredients used. Always check the labels of the ingredients to be sure.