Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in Valencia, a region on the east coast of Spain. Made with rice, saffron, and a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, paella is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is enjoyed by people all over the world. However, making a perfect paella can be challenging, as it requires the right ingredients and a few key techniques to pull it off. Here’s a recipe and some tips to help you make a delicious paella that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Bomba rice
- 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- pinch of saffron
- Salt, to taste
- 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup peas
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- In a large paellera or a wide, shallow pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add the onions and peppers to the pan and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the paprika, saffron, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add the rice and stir to coat it in the oil and spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the rice starts to turn translucent.
- Add the broth, green beans and peas, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Nestle the seafood and chicken on top of the rice and press it down into the liquid.
- Cover the pan with foil or a lid and continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the seafood is done.
- Turn off the heat, but let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Note: Paella can be made in many different variations with different meats, seafood, and vegetables depending on your preferences, and paella should not be stirred after adding all the ingredients.
Paella is a classic Spanish dish that is loved for its delicious combination of flavors and colors. With this recipe and some tips, you can now cook like a pro and make a perfect paella that will impress your friends and family. Paella is usually served in the paellera, and it is eaten directly from the pan, be sure to enjoy it with a glass of Spanish wine.