Half-hour Paella

Half-hour Paella Recipe - Authentic Spanish Delight

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Half-hour Paella is a quick and easy dish that brings the flavors of Spain right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

History

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Valencia region. It was originally made by farmers and farm laborers who cooked rice with whatever ingredients they had on hand, such as vegetables, rabbit, and snails. Over time, the dish evolved to include seafood, chicken, and a variety of spices. Today, paella is a popular dish enjoyed all over the world.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup chopped celery
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 cup uncooked rice
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp saffron
chicken broth
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can minced clams (drained; liquid reserved)
1.5 cup boned cooked chicken pieces (left in large pieces)
1 cup cooked peeled and deveined shrimp
0.5 cup cooked green peas
quartered fresh tomatoes for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the onion and celery in butter over medium heat until tender but not browned.
Add the rice, salt, saffron, and enough chicken broth to the clam liquid to make 2 cups.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the clams, chicken, shrimp, and peas.
Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the dish garnished with tomatoes, if desired.

Variations

Add chorizo or sausage for a smoky flavor.
Use different types of seafood, such as mussels or squid.
Add bell peppers, artichokes, or olives for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid to cook the rice evenly.

- Be sure to stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite seafood or vegetables.

- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and shrimp and add more vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Half-hour Paella is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Half-hour Paella is to cook the rice until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have saffron, you can use turmeric as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Half-hour Paella ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. Simply reheat the dish on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Half-hour Paella in a large serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Half-hour Paella pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Spanish Albariño or a Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Half-hour Paella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Half-hour Paella contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Half-hour Paella contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Half-hour Paella contains approximately 6 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Half-hour Paella contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Half-hour Paella is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (clams and shrimp) and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Half-hour Paella is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Half-hour Paella is a quick and easy dish that brings the flavors of Spain right to your kitchen. With a mix of seafood, chicken, and vegetables, this dish is a balanced meal that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious recipe for a taste of Spain in just 30 minutes!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in Spain. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most amazing aroma. Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a large pan filled with a colorful mixture of rice, vegetables, and seafood.

"What are you making?" I asked, my mouth watering at the sight and smell of the dish.

"It's paella," Maria replied with a smile. "A traditional Spanish dish that is perfect for a quick and delicious meal."

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly cooked the paella, adding in saffron, tomatoes, and a variety of seafood. She explained that paella is a versatile dish that can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftovers or creating a quick and easy meal.

As I sat down to eat the paella, I marveled at how delicious it was. The flavors were bold and bright, with the saffron adding a unique depth to the dish. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible meal.

Over the years, I have experimented with various paella recipes, tweaking and adjusting them to create my own version of the dish. One day, I stumbled upon a recipe for Half-hour Paella that promised all the flavor of a traditional paella in a fraction of the time. I was intrigued and knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed for the Half-hour Paella: rice, chicken broth, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, shrimp, and chorizo. I heated up a large skillet and started cooking the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they were soft and fragrant. Next, I added in the chorizo and let it cook until it was slightly browned and crispy.

Once the chorizo was cooked, I added in the rice and let it toast for a few minutes before pouring in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. I seasoned the mixture with salt, pepper, and a generous pinch of saffron, stirring everything together until well combined.

I let the paella simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of the broth and tomatoes. Then, I added in the shrimp, nestling them into the rice and letting them cook until they turned pink and opaque.

Finally, I sprinkled some fresh parsley over the top of the paella and served it hot, straight from the pan. The Half-hour Paella was a hit with my family, who couldn't believe how quickly I had whipped up such a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Since then, the Half-hour Paella has become a staple in my recipe repertoire. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when I want something delicious and comforting but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The dish has a wonderful depth of flavor, with the smoky chorizo, sweet shrimp, and aromatic saffron all coming together in perfect harmony.

I love that I can personalize the Half-hour Paella with whatever ingredients I have on hand, whether it's chicken, sausage, or a variety of vegetables. The dish is versatile and forgiving, allowing me to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures.

I am grateful to my friend Maria for introducing me to the world of paella and inspiring me to create my own version of this delicious dish. The Half-hour Paella has become a beloved favorite in my family, a recipe that I will continue to make and share for years to come.