A Classic Seafood Paella Recipe: Perfect for Any Occasion

Paella, the traditional and flavorful Spanish dish, is a delight for anyone who loves delicious and hearty meals. The rich array of ingredients and the unique cooking method make it a favorite among food enthusiasts around the world. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to prepare a classic seafood paella that promises to bring joy to your dinner table. Let's dive in!

Ingredients

2 cups of short-grain Spanish rice (Bomba or Calasparra) 1 pound of mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid) 1/2 pound of boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces 1/2 cup each of diced onion and red bell pepper 1/2 cup of diced green bell pepper 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon of smugged paprika (Spanish paprika) 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads 4 cups of chicken broth 1 cup of white wine Salt and black pepper to taste Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or a wide shallow skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and reserve. In the same pan, sauté the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper until they soften (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the rice to the pan and stir, toasting it for a few minutes until it becomes translucent. In a bowl, dissolve the saffron threads in white wine. Pour this mixture over the rice and let it simmer for a few minutes until the liquid is partially absorbed. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the chicken broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is almost cooked. Avoid stirring the paella at this stage to develop the socarrat, the crispy bottom layer. Arrange the mixed seafood on top of the rice, placing the mussels and clams hinge-side down. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the rice has absorbed all the liquid. Remove the paella from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Conclusion

Enjoy your homemade seafood paella, which is not only delicious but also packed with flavor. Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking, as there are many variations of paella featuring different ingredients such as rabbit, vegetables, or other meats. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.