A STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL ON HOW TO MAKE PAELA
Paella Recipes For Every Occasion: The Spanish Feast
One of Spain’s most iconic dishes, paella is known for its colorful presentation, intense flavor and medley of ingredients. Paella is proven to be the signature dish it is, whether you are celebrating a holiday or just want something delicious and filling to eat. Though it is traditionally prepared with seafood, chicken and rabbit, paella can be tailored to what you like. How to make a true, delicious Paella at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Paella:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 lb chicken thighs, chopped into pieces (or replace with seafood, chorizo, or other veggies for a variation)
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (if making seafood paella)
1/2 lb mussels or clams (optional, for seafood paella)
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Salad with Stock-Poached Shrimp2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
2 cups short-grain rice, such as Arborio or Bomba rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (or use turmeric in its place)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup peas (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Prep the ingredients before you start cooking: chop the vegetables, peel the shrimp and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. If you’re using mussels or clams, make sure to scrub them.
Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
In a large paella pan or wide, shallow skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Place the shrimp in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink. 1. Remove shrimp, add back to chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Include minced garlic and chopped tomatoes, cooking for a further 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring.
Add the Rice and Spices
Add and stir in the rice, making sure it glistens with oil and vegetables. Stir in the saffron (or turmeric), paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add the Broth
Add the chicken or vegetable broth, and stir to combine. Let it come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low; Cover the rice to simmer with no stirring for about 15-20 minutes to allow flavors and liquid to be absorbed.
Add the Protein and Peas
Once the rice is well cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, add the chicken, shrimp and whatever other protein or seafood you’re using, stirring in the peas, too. Push the ingredients down into the rice, but don’t stir. Cook the paella for another 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through, and the rice is tender.
Let the Paella Rest
When the paella is finished, remove the pan from the heat and cover it with a kitchen towel. Allow the paella to rest for 5-10 minutes in order for the flavors to blend.
Serve and Garnish
Serve the paella garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for freshness. Enjoy the flavour of Spain with this dish served hot!
Tips for the Perfect Paella
Use short-grain rice: Paella demands short-grain rice, like Arborio or Bomba rice, which absorbs the flavors and forms the signature texture.
Do not stir the rice: After you have added the broth, don’t stir the rice. This is how you achieve the crispy, flavorful layer of rice (known as the “socarrat”) at the bottom of the pan.
Protein customization: Traditional paella may be made with chicken, seafood, and rabbit, but let your imagination run wild and add your favorite meats, or make it entirely vegetarian.
Saffron substitute: Turmeric is a wonderful substitute for saffron where saffron is too costly or difficult to obtain, providing similar color and mild flavor.
Use a wide, shallow vessel: A paella pan is perfect, but any big, shallow skillet should do. The larger surface area causes the rice to cook evenly.
Conclusion
Preparing paella at home might sound daunting, but this straightforward primer can help you recreate a tasty, authentic Spanish plate that’ll wow everyone at the dinner table. For classic seafood paella or a variation that includes your favorite ingredients, look here; it’s become a favorite in my kitchen. The takeaway: Paella is great for sharing between friends and family, which is why its such a great meal for gatherings and special occasions.