Paella Casserole

Paella Casserole Recipe from Spain | Garlic, Chicken, Shrimp, and Rice

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Paella Casserole is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and rice in a savory tomato sauce. This Spanish-inspired recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Valencia region. It was originally made with rice, vegetables, and meat cooked over an open fire. Over time, different variations of paella have been created, including the popular Paella Casserole.

Ingredients

1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
3 chicken breasts, boned and halved
1.5 cup chopped onion, red or white only
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen green peas, thawed
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1.5 cup tomato juice or (1 cup tomato sauce)
1 lb (454 g) peeled deveined raw shrimp
4 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat garlic with oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown; push to one side.
Cook onion in the pan until tender. Stir or blend in peas, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato juice or tomato sauce. Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes.
Add shrimp and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Spoon rice around the edges of 6 individual casseroles; fill the centers with the chicken mixture.
Bake at 150°C for 5 minutes. Serve hot and plain or over white rice.

Variations

Add chorizo or sausage for extra flavor.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Substitute the chicken for pork or beef.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a heavy skillet to brown the chicken and cook the vegetables evenly.

- Thaw the frozen peas before adding them to the dish to ensure they cook properly.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more salt, pepper, or oregano as needed.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Paella Casserole with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before adding it to the casserole helps to seal in the juices and add flavor.

- Simmering the vegetables in the tomato sauce allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

- Use canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for a chunkier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Paella Casserole in individual casseroles for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a Spanish red wine or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Paella Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this Paella Casserole come from the rice, peas, and tomato sauce. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the vegetable oil used for cooking the chicken and vegetables, as well as the natural fats in the shrimp. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

The proteins in this Paella Casserole come from the chicken and shrimp. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and peas, and iron from the chicken and shrimp.

Alergens

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

Summary

Overall, this Paella Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Paella Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a mix of chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and rice in a savory tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was during a trip to Spain many years ago, when I stumbled upon a small family-owned restaurant in the heart of Barcelona. The aroma of saffron, garlic, and freshly caught seafood wafted through the air, enticing me to take a seat and indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean.

As I sat at the quaint wooden table, I watched the chef meticulously prepare a dish that would forever change my culinary repertoire – Paella. The traditional Spanish dish, with its vibrant colors and bold flavors, captured my attention from the moment it was placed in front of me.

I savored every bite of the rice infused with the rich flavors of saffron, the tender morsels of chicken, and the succulent pieces of shrimp and mussels. The combination of ingredients was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After finishing my meal, I approached the chef and asked if he would be willing to share his recipe with me. To my surprise, he agreed, and we spent the next few hours in the kitchen, with him guiding me through each step of the process.

I learned that the key to a great Paella lies in the quality of the ingredients – fresh seafood, aromatic saffron, and the perfect blend of spices. The chef taught me how to layer the flavors, starting with sautéing the onions and garlic, then adding the tomatoes, bell peppers, and rice, before finally adding the broth and simmering everything together until it formed a perfectly cooked casserole.

As I watched the Paella come together, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish I would share with friends and family for years to come.

Over the years, I have made the Paella Casserole countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added my own twist by incorporating chorizo sausage, peas, and artichoke hearts, creating a dish that is uniquely my own.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Paella to the next generation. It has become a dish that is synonymous with celebrations and special occasions, a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

As I sit in my kitchen now, preparing the Paella Casserole for a family gathering, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. This recipe has not only brought joy and satisfaction to my own life, but it has also allowed me to connect with others and share a piece of my culinary journey with them.

I am grateful for the chef who first introduced me to the wonders of Paella, and for the countless people who have inspired and guided me along the way. The recipe may have originated in Spain, but it has become a part of my own culinary identity, a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I take the Paella Casserole out of the oven, the aroma of saffron, garlic, and seafood fills the air, transporting me back to that small restaurant in Barcelona where it all began. And as I sit down to enjoy the fruits of my labor with my loved ones, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to celebrate the beauty of life.