Seafood Paella

Seafood Paella Recipe - Authentic Spanish Dish with Shrimp, Squid, Clams, and Mussels

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Seafood Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Valencia region. This flavorful and colorful dish is a perfect combination of seafood, rice, and various spices. It is a popular dish for special occasions and gatherings.

History

Paella has a long history dating back to the 18th century in Valencia, Spain. Originally, paella was a peasant dish made with rice, vegetables, and whatever meat was available. Over time, seafood was added to the dish, creating the Seafood Paella that we know today.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
5 slices of bacon, chopped
1 whole chicken, approximately 3.5 lb (1.59 kg), cut into 8 pieces
2 cups chopped onions (about 2 medium onions)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups long-grain white rice
1 jar of roasted sliced pimentos, 7 oz (198 g), with juice
0.5 tsp crushed saffron threads
2 cups bottled clam juice
1.5 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 lb (454 g) large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb (454 g) cleaned squid, bodies cut into 0.5 inch rings
1 dozen clams, scrubbed
1 dozen mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Heat olive oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
Add chopped bacon and cook until the fat is rendered, about 6 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels and drain. Set it aside.
Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the bacon drippings in the pot and cook over medium heat until brown, about 7 minutes per side.
Using tongs, remove the chicken from the pot.
Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until beginning to brown, scraping up any browned bits, about 10 minutes.
Stir in rice, roasted pimientos with juices, and saffron.
Add clam juice and chicken stock to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Remove from heat.
Pour the rice mixture into a 15x10x2 inches glass baking dish.
Arrange the chicken, shrimp, squid, clams, and mussels in the rice mixture.
Sprinkle with chopped bacon and peas.
Cover with foil.
Bake the paella until the chicken is cooked through, clams and mussels open, and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes (discard any clams and mussels that do not open).
Remove the foil from the baking dish.
Let the paella stand for 10 minutes.
Serve with lemon wedges.

Variations

Add chorizo or other types of sausage for added flavor.
Use different types of seafood such as scallops or lobster.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a heavy-bottomed pot or pan to ensure even cooking.

- Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it to the rice mixture for added flavor.

- Allow the paella to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Seafood Paella with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Seafood Paella is to cook the rice until it is tender and the seafood is cooked through. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find certain ingredients, you can substitute them with similar ingredients. For example, you can use chicken broth instead of clam juice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake the paella. This will save you time on the day of serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Seafood Paella in a large paella pan for an authentic presentation. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Seafood Paella pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Albariño or a light-bodied red wine such as Tempranillo.

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 Seafood Paella contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Seafood Paella contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Seafood Paella contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Seafood Paella contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Seafood Paella is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Seafood Paella contains shellfish, so it may not be suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Seafood Paella is a nutritious dish that is high in proteins and vitamins. It is a well-balanced meal that is perfect for a special occasion.

Summary

Seafood Paella is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions. With a combination of seafood, rice, and spices, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this traditional Spanish dish with family and friends for a memorable meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I had just arrived in the bustling city of Barcelona, Spain. The streets were alive with the sounds of laughter and the smell of delicious food wafting through the air. I was eager to explore this new city and immerse myself in its vibrant culture.

As I wandered through the narrow cobblestone streets, I stumbled upon a bustling market filled with colorful stalls selling fresh seafood, spices, and produce. The sights and sounds were overwhelming, but I felt a sense of excitement and wonder as I navigated through the maze of vendors.

I soon found myself drawn to a small stall where an elderly woman was cooking up a storm. The aroma of garlic, saffron, and seafood filled the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation. I watched in awe as she expertly prepared a large pan of paella, a traditional Spanish dish that I had never tried before.

I struck up a conversation with the woman, whose name was Isabella, and she kindly invited me to sample her delicious creation. The first bite was a revelation - the flavors of the seafood, rice, and spices melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

I begged Isabella to share her recipe with me, and she smiled and agreed. She explained that paella was a dish that originated in Valencia, but had become popular all over Spain. The key to a good paella, she said, was to use fresh ingredients and to cook it slowly to allow the flavors to develop.

Isabella patiently walked me through the steps of making paella, from cooking the sofrito (a mixture of onions, garlic, and tomatoes) to adding the rice, broth, and seafood. She emphasized the importance of using saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, which gave the dish its signature golden color and depth of flavor.

I spent the rest of the afternoon with Isabella, learning the secrets of her culinary expertise and jotting down notes in my trusty recipe book. By the time I left her stall, I felt like I had been initiated into a sacred culinary tradition.

Back home in my own kitchen, I set out to recreate Isabella's seafood paella. I sourced the freshest ingredients I could find, including shrimp, mussels, and squid, and carefully measured out the spices and seasonings.

As I cooked, the memories of my time in Barcelona flooded back to me - the vibrant colors of the market, the laughter of the people, and the taste of Isabella's paella. I stirred the rice gently, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the broth and seafood, and watched in awe as the dish transformed before my eyes.

Finally, it was time to taste my creation. I scooped a generous portion of paella onto a plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, transporting me back to that sunny afternoon in Barcelona. The dish was a triumph, a symphony of tastes and textures that delighted the senses.

Since that day, seafood paella has become a staple in my culinary repertoire. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Isabella so generously shared with me.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of paella, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that brought me to this moment. The memory of discovering this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to the world around us. And for that, I am truly thankful.