Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with Spanish Seafood Paella, a culinary masterpiece blending saffron-infused rice, succulent seafood, and rich Spanish traditions. Fragrant spices and fresh ingredients transport you to coastal Spain, promising a delightful gastronomic journey in every colorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 0.5 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 0.5 pound mussels (cleaned and debearded)
- 0.5 pound clams (scrubbed and cleaned)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 tomato (grated)
- 0.5 cup green beans (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
Grains, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in warm water)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 0.25 cup flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
- Olive oil for cooking
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the proteins by generously seasoning chicken with aromatic spices, then set up your ingredients by soaking saffron in warm water and thoroughly cleaning seafood.
- Heat a wide paella pan with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a perfect cooking surface for developing deep flavors.
- Carefully brown chicken pieces until they develop a golden, crispy exterior, then transfer to a separate plate to preserve their texture.
- In the same pan, gently sauté aromatic vegetables, allowing onions, garlic, and red bell peppers to soften and release their essence.
- Introduce rice to the pan, stirring continuously to coat each grain with the fragrant oil and vegetable mixture, toasting slightly for enhanced flavor.
- Create the cooking liquid by combining chicken broth, grated tomato, saffron-infused water, and smoky paprika, then return chicken to the pan and distribute seafood and green beans evenly across the surface.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the paella to simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, watching carefully as rice absorbs liquid and seafood cooks through.
- Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and drape with a kitchen towel, letting the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize and settle.
- Present the paella directly from the pan, showcasing its vibrant colors and inviting aroma, ready to be shared and enjoyed.
Notes
- Opt for short-grain rice like bomba or calasparra, which absorbs more liquid and creates the perfect paella texture without becoming mushy.
- Use high-quality saffron threads for authentic flavor; authentic Spanish saffron provides the most vibrant color and rich taste.
- Develop a crispy bottom layer called “socarrat” by increasing heat during the last few minutes of cooking, creating a delightful caramelized rice crust.
- Customize seafood selection based on availability, substituting or adding different shellfish like squid, scallops, or prawns to suit personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 388 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg