Paella is a popular Spanish dish known for its flavor and heartiness, made with various ingredients including seafood, chicken, vegetables, and chorizo. The quality of ingredients and broth made to cook the rice determine a good paella. To make the perfect paella, you need a large paella pan, a medium heat source, a wooden spoon, a mortar and pestle, a chef’s knife, and a chopping board. This recipe includes chicken, chorizo, shrimp or prawns, arborio rice, vegetables, and spices like paprika and saffron threads. It takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook the dish. Serve warm and enjoy with friends and family.

Spanish Paella – A Classic, Flavorful Dish to Share

Introduction

Paella is a Spanish dish that is renowned for its flavor and is popular worldwide. As a traditional dish, it has been consumed in Spain for centuries and is known to make a hearty meal. Paella can be served with various ingredients, including seafood, chicken, vegetables, and chorizo. A good paella is defined by the quality of its ingredients and the broth made to cook the rice.

Equipment Needed

To make the perfect paella, you will require some equipment, including;

• A large paella pan
• Medium heat source
• Wooden spoon
• A mortar and pestle to grind herbs
• A chef’s knife
• Chopping board

Ingredients

Part of making a good paella is selecting the right ingredients. You will need:

• 1lb chicken thighs (cut into a medium size)
• 1lb chorizo sausage (sliced)
• 1lb large shrimp or prawns (cleaned and peeled)
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 4 garlic cloves diced
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 3 medium-sized Tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped into small pieces
• 3 cups of arborio rice
• 6 cups of chicken broth or stock.
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Start by preparing the ingredients for your paella. Clean and peel the shrimp, chop your vegetables, and slice the chorizo.
2. Preheat your paella pan and ensure it is well-oiled. Add the chicken and chorizo and stir until cooked through.
3. Add onions and garlic and cook till soft.
4. Add in the chopped bell pepper and tomato, stirring for around 3-4 minutes.
5. Add in paprika and saffron threads and mix thoroughly.
6. Pour in the rice and coat it with the spice mixture.
7. Add in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is evenly distributed in the pan.
8. Bring the liquid to a boil and add in the peas, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
9. Leave the rice to cook for around 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Rinse the prawns with cold water and pat them dry, then place them on top of the rice in the pan.
11. Allow the paella to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the prawns turn opaque.
12. Turn off the heat and let the paella sit for a few minutes.
13. Serve warm with lemon wedges.

Enjoy Your Paella with Your Friends and Family!

Making Spanish paella has never been easier with this recipe, and the end result is a warm and savory dish that’s perfect for sharing. Experiment with different spices, meats, and seafood to create a unique and flavorful paella. With patience and dedication, you can bring a little bit of Spain to your dining table. Enjoy!