Paella

Paella

Paella is a classic Spanish dish that features a favorful combination of rice, saffron, and a variety of proteins.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups bomba or short-grain rice
  • 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup diced chorizo or smoked sausage
  • 1 onion, fnely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 4 cups chicken or fish broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Method

  • Start by preparing the broth. In a saucepan, heat the chicken or fish broth. Add saffron threads and let it simmer over low heat.
  • In a paella pan or large, shallow skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chorizo or smoked sausage and cook until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crispy.
  • Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for a few minutes until it breaks down and forms a sofrito-like base.
  • Add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat it with the sofrito mixture.
  • Sprinkle smoked paprika over the rice and pour in the saffron-infused broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  • Arrange the mixed seafood and frozen peas over the rice. Press them down slightly into the rice mixture.
  • Allow the paella to simmer over medium-low heat without stirring for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has formed a crust on the bottom (socarrat). You can occasionally rotate the pan for even cooking.
  • Once the rice is done, remove the paella from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Serve the paella hot, garnished with lemon wedges.