Lunch

Have you ever dreamed of savouring the rich, vibrant flavours of Spain right in your own kitchen? The Easy Spanish Paella Recipe is your passport to a culinary adventure that brings the essence of traditional Spanish cuisine to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with your family, this dish is a showstopper. Imagine the delightful aroma of saffron, the taste of perfectly cooked rice, and a medley of fresh seafood, chicken, and vegetables blending harmoniously. Intrigued? Let’s explore how you can master this iconic dish with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Authentic Flavors: Captures the essence of traditional Spanish cuisine.
2. Easy to Prepare: Simplified steps make it accessible for home cooks.
3. Versatile: This dish is highly versatile and can be adapted with various proteins and vegetables.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
5. Nutrient-rich: Packed with protein, fibre, and essential vitamins.
6. One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup, more enjoyment.
7. Beautiful Presentation: Vibrant colours and appealing textures make it a feast for the eyes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned
• 1/2 pound chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice absorbs flavours well, but Bomba rice is the traditional choice for paella.
• Saffron: Essential for its distinctive flavour and colour, turmeric can be a more affordable alternative.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavour. Regular paprika can be used if smoke isn’t available.
• Seafood and Chicken: You can use any combination of seafood or replace it with other proteins like chorizo or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add your favourite vegetables, like artichokes or green beans.

How to Make Easy Spanish Paella Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Begin by warming olive oil in a large skillet. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell peppers, sautéing until soft and aromatic to create a flavorful base for your paella.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the Arborio rice, saffron water, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture well, allowing the rice to absorb the flavours for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, giving the rice time to cook and absorb the broth.

Step 4: Incorporate Proteins

Add the chunks of chicken, shrimp, and mussels to the skillet. Cover again and let everything cook together for an additional 15-20 minutes, ensuring the seafood is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh seafood and vegetables enhance the dish’s flavour.
• Don’t Stir the Rice: Once the broth is added, do not stir to allow the rice to form a crusty bottom, known as “socarrat.”
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, let the paella sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Paella: Skip the seafood and chicken, and add more vegetables like artichokes and mushrooms.
• Seafood-Only Paella: For a seafood feast, use a variety of seafood, such as clams, squid, and scallops.
• Chorizo Addition: For a smoky, savoury twist, add slices of Spanish chorizo.
• Spicy Paella: Increase the cayenne or add chopped chilli peppers for extra heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: Pair with a side of crusty bread to mop up every bit of the delicious sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette complements the rich flavours.
• Sangria: Pair with a glass of refreshing sangria for a complete Spanish experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio? A: Arborio or Bomba rice is preferred for its ability to absorb flavours, but regular long-grain rice can be used in a pinch, though the texture will be different.

Q: What can I substitute for saffron? A: Turmeric is a more affordable substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavour.

Q: How do I know when the seafood is cooked? A: Shrimp should turn pink and opaque, and mussels should open up when cooked. Discard any mussels that remain closed.

Q: Can I make paella ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat it gently. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh to retain the perfect texture.

Related Recipes

• Seafood Risotto: A creamy, comforting dish with similar flavours.
• Spanish Tapas: Enjoy a variety of small Spanish dishes to complement your meal.
• Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya: Another rice-based dish with bold flavours.

Conclusion

There you have it – an Easy Spanish Paella Recipe that brings the vibrant flavours of Spain to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Give it a try and bring a touch of Mediterranean magic to your next meal. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Crispy Shrimp Tempura

Easy Spanish Paella Recipe

A classic Spanish dish brimming with vibrant flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course lunch

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• ½ tsp saffron threads, soaked in 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ po shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ po mussels, cleaned
• ½ po chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

  Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice, saffron with its soaking water, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes, ensuring the rice is well coated.

  Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

  Incorporate Proteins: Add chicken, shrimp, and mussels. Cover again and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and the chicken is tender.

  Final Touches: Stir in peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

You can substitute Arborio rice with Bomba rice for a more authentic texture

Keyword Easy Spanish Paella, Easy Spanish Paella Recipe, Paella, Spanish Paella