Hearty Spanish Paella: A Rich and Flavorful Seafood and Chicken Delight
Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish that is bursting with flavor and variety. It’s typically made with a combination of seafood, chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for gatherings and sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned
– 1/2 pound clams, cleaned
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups short-grain rice (e.g., Arborio or bomba rice)
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. **Heat the Olive Oil**: In a large paella pan or wide, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. **Cook the Chicken**: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. **Sauté Vegetables**: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. **Add the Rice and Spices**: Stir in the short-grain rice, saffron threads, and smoked paprika, coating the rice well with the oil and spices.
5. **Combine Broth and Tomatoes**: Pour the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes into the pan. Stir well to combine.
6. **Return the Chicken and Simmer**: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. **Add Seafood**: Arrange the shrimp, mussels, and clams over the top of the rice mixture. Cook until the seafood is done (shrimp turned pink and opaque, mussels and clams opened), about 5-7 minutes.
8. **Add Peas**: Sprinkle the frozen peas over the dish and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. **Finish and Serve**: Remove the pan from the heat and let the paella sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve warm.
This hearty Spanish Paella is a feast for the senses, featuring a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Enjoy this classic dish with friends and family for a truly memorable meal.
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com