Paella Rice

Paella Rice Recipe from Spain with Chicken, Chickpeas and Green Peas

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Paella rice is a traditional Spanish dish that is known for its vibrant colors and bold flavors. This dish is typically made with a combination of rice, vegetables, and protein, such as chicken, seafood, or in this case, grilled turkey burgers. Paella rice is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a popular choice for family dinners and special occasions.

History

Paella rice originated in the Valencia region of Spain, where it was traditionally cooked over an open fire in a large, shallow pan called a paella. The dish was originally made with ingredients that were readily available, such as rice, vegetables, and rabbit or chicken. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a wider variety of ingredients, including seafood, sausage, and various types of meat. Today, paella rice is enjoyed all over the world and has become a staple in many households.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups long-grain brown rice or arborio rice
1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
4 plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
6 cloves caramelized garlic
1 tsp paprika
4 cups hot chicken broth
1 tsp tabasco
0.5 tsp saffron threads, or
1 tsp turmeric
1 cup cooked chickpeas
0.5 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
0.25 cup sliced green or black olives
2 green onions or scallions, chopped
1 lb (454 g) grilled chicken, seafood, or turkey burgers

How to prepare

Preheat a paella or large sauté pan with a tight-fitting cover.
Heat the olive oil in the pan, then add the rice, pepper, tomato, garlic, and paprika.
Stir constantly and cook for 2 minutes, or until the rice is lightly toasted.
Add the broth, Tabasco, and saffron or turmeric and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the chickpeas, green peas, and green onions or scallions, and cook until the rice is tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken, seafood, or grilled turkey burgers, if desired.
Remove from the heat and set aside for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Substitute the grilled turkey burgers with chicken, seafood, or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add additional vegetables, such as artichokes, mushrooms, or asparagus, for a more colorful and nutritious dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a paella pan or a large sauté pan with a tight-fitting cover to cook the rice evenly.

- Toasting the rice before adding the broth helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to stir the rice constantly to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

- Let the paella rice sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Paella rice can be served as a main dish on its own or paired with a side salad or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the paella pan before adding the ingredients to ensure even cooking.

- Simmer the rice on low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.

- Replace the saffron with turmeric for a more budget-friendly option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- Leftover paella rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the paella rice in the paella pan for a rustic and authentic presentation. - Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair paella rice with a crisp white wine, such as a Spanish Albariño or a Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve with a side of Spanish tapas, such as patatas bravas or grilled octopus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover paella rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Paella rice is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Paella rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its bold flavors and vibrant colors, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day that makes you want to spend hours in the kitchen creating delicious dishes. I had just returned from a trip to Spain, where I had the most amazing paella rice at a small family-owned restaurant in Valencia. The flavors were so vibrant and the rice cooked to perfection, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

As soon as I got home, I set out to find the perfect paella rice recipe. I scoured through my collection of cookbooks, but none of them seemed to capture the essence of the dish I had tasted in Spain. So, I turned to the internet, searching through countless websites and blogs in the hopes of finding the perfect recipe.

After hours of searching, I finally stumbled upon a recipe that seemed promising. It was a traditional paella rice recipe passed down from generation to generation in a small village in Spain. The ingredients were simple, yet the combination of flavors promised to transport me back to that little restaurant in Valencia.

Excited to try my hand at making paella rice, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. The recipe called for saffron, a spice I had never used before, but I knew it was essential to achieving that signature golden color and unique flavor of paella rice.

I carefully toasted the saffron in a dry pan until it released its fragrant aroma, then ground it into a fine powder. The vibrant color of the saffron infused the rice with a beautiful golden hue as it cooked, creating a visual masterpiece that was almost too beautiful to eat.

As the rice simmered away, I added in a medley of fresh seafood – shrimp, mussels, and calamari – along with tender chunks of chicken and chorizo. The flavors mingled together, creating a symphony of tastes that danced on my taste buds with each bite.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a complex and flavorful dish. The key, I learned, was to let the ingredients shine on their own, without overpowering them with too many seasonings or spices. Each ingredient played a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors that made paella rice so irresistible.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took a bite, closing my eyes as the flavors transported me back to that little restaurant in Valencia. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain infused with the rich flavors of the seafood and meats that had simmered together in the pan. It was a dish that spoke to my soul, reminding me of the joy that comes from creating something delicious with your own two hands.

Since that day, paella rice has become a staple in my kitchen. I've made it countless times, experimenting with different variations and additions to make it my own. Each time I cook it, I'm reminded of that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

And so, I continue to cook and share this recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of paella rice from generation to generation. It's a dish that brings people together, creating memories and moments that will be cherished for years to come. And for that, I am forever grateful.