Spanish Paella

Spanish Paella Recipe - Authentic and Inspiring Dishes from Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spanish Paella is a traditional dish that originated in Valencia, Spain. It is a flavorful and colorful rice dish that is typically made with a variety of ingredients such as seafood, chicken, vegetables, and spices. Paella is a popular dish that is often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions.

History

Paella has a long history that dates back to the 18th century in Valencia, Spain. It was originally a peasant dish that was made with ingredients that were readily available such as rice, vegetables, and meat. Over time, the dish evolved and became more elaborate with the addition of seafood, saffron, and other spices. Today, Paella is considered a national dish of Spain and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup dry rice
1 cup diced red pepper
0.75 cup diced zucchini
2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
0.75 cup thawed frozen peas
1 can (14 oz or 397 g) no-sodium-added tomatoes
1 can (15 oz or 425 g) rinsed and drained chickpeas
1 lb (454 g) peeled shrimp
0.13 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
0.13 tsp saffron

How to prepare

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Add garlic and onion. Stir for 3 minutes over medium heat.
Add rice, red pepper, zucchini, and 0.5 cup of chicken broth. Stir for another 5 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients except shrimp. Stir and place the skillet in the oven.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 20 minutes. Add shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turns pink, about 5 minutes.

Variations

To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the shrimp.
Use different types of seafood such as mussels, clams, or squid.
Add chorizo or chicken for a meatier version of Paella.
Use different vegetables such as artichokes, green beans, or asparagus.

Notes

If you don't have saffron on hand, use yellow rice. Look for it next to other rice varieties in the grocery store.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a wide, shallow pan to cook the Paella to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.

- Toast the rice in the pan before adding the liquid to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Use high-quality saffron for a more authentic and flavorful Paella.

- Let the Paella rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Paella with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of Spanish wine for an authentic dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables before adding the rice to enhance their flavor.

- Bake the Paella in the oven to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of Paella.

- Substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Paella up to the point of adding the shrimp, then refrigerate it until ready to bake.

- Leftover Paella can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Paella with fresh parsley or lemon wedges before serving. - Serve the Paella in the skillet for a rustic and authentic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Paella with a crisp white wine such as Albariño or Verdejo.

- Serve the Paella with a side of Spanish olives and marinated artichokes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

Summary

Paella is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a well-balanced meal that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Summary

Spanish Paella is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a traditional Spanish dish that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Spanish Paella. It was back in the 1960s, when I was a young woman with a thirst for adventure and a passion for cooking. I had just returned from a trip to Spain, where I had fallen in love with the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. One evening, as I was flipping through a cookbook I had picked up on my travels, I came across a recipe for paella that caught my eye.

The ingredients were simple yet exotic: saffron-infused rice, juicy tomatoes, plump shrimp, savory chorizo, and tender chicken. I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures, and I knew I had to try making it myself. I decided to invite some friends over for dinner the following weekend and showcase my newfound culinary skills.

I spent the entire week preparing for the dinner party, gathering the ingredients and practicing the different cooking techniques required for the dish. I made sure to season the chicken and seafood just right, and I even splurged on a bottle of authentic Spanish saffron to give the rice its signature golden hue.

As the day of the dinner party arrived, I was a bundle of nerves. I wanted everything to be perfect, from the table setting to the presentation of the paella. I started cooking early in the afternoon, carefully following the recipe and adding each ingredient with precision and care. The kitchen was filled with the intoxicating aroma of garlic, onions, and smoked paprika, and I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction as the dish began to take shape.

As my guests arrived, I served them glasses of sangria and small plates of olives and cheese to whet their appetites. When the paella was finally ready, I brought it to the table with a flourish, the steam rising from the pan and the colors of the dish vibrant and inviting. My friends oohed and aahed at the sight of it, and I felt a surge of joy knowing that I had created something truly special.

We dug into the paella with gusto, savoring each bite and reveling in the mingling of flavors and textures. The saffron-infused rice was tender and fragrant, the shrimp and chicken juicy and flavorful, and the chorizo added a hint of smokiness that tied everything together perfectly. We laughed and chatted late into the night, savoring every last morsel of the dish and enjoying each other's company.

That dinner party marked the beginning of my love affair with Spanish cuisine and the start of my journey to become a skilled and knowledgeable cook. Over the years, I continued to experiment with different recipes and techniques, honing my skills and expanding my culinary repertoire. I learned to make traditional Spanish dishes like gazpacho, tortilla española, and churros, each one bringing back memories of my travels and adventures in Spain.

But it was the paella that held a special place in my heart. It was a dish that symbolized friendship, community, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Whenever I made paella, I felt a connection to the vibrant and colorful culture of Spain, and I remembered the sights, sounds, and tastes of my travels with fondness and nostalgia.

To this day, I still make paella for special occasions and dinner parties, sharing the recipe with friends and family members who are eager to taste a bit of Spain in their own homes. And as I stand in the kitchen, stirring the fragrant rice and watching the steam rise from the pan, I am transported back to that first dinner party, the laughter and camaraderie of that evening still fresh in my mind. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others and create lasting memories, and I am grateful for the gift of sharing my love of food with those around me.