Maria’s Classic Paella

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 3
Maria's Classic Paella, a Spanish one-pot rice dish rich in flavors and textures
in Main

Prep

25 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

70 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

4 cups chicken stock
20 saffron threads , crushed
3/4 cup olive oil
4 chicken thighs
1 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic , minced
4 links chorizo de bilbao ( spicy Spanish semi-cured sausage )
2 cups Spanish paella rice
2 teaspoons Spanish sweet paprika
1/2 cup grated peeled roma ( plum ) tomatoes
8 clams in shell , scrubbed , or more to taste
8 mussels , cleaned and debearded , or more to taste
8 prawns , peeled and deveined ( leave tails )
3 red bell peppers , cut into strips
10 ounces peas
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
8 wedges lemon
1 baguette , sliced

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
645
Sugar
6g
Fat
40g
Paella is a Spanish rice dish that is believed to have originated in Valencia. This classic recipe features a combination of Spanish rice, saffron-infused chicken stock, fresh seafood, and a variety of spices and herbs, resulting in a dish that is rich in flavors and textures. Paella is traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan over an open flame, producing a crispy, caramelized crust on the bottom of the rice that is known as socarrat. This dish is often served in Spain as a communal meal, with diners sitting around the pan and enjoying the flavors and aromas of the dish together. Maria's Classic Paella is a time-honored recipe that has been passed down through generations of Spanish families, and it is sure to become a favorite in your household as well.

Instructions

1.In a small saucepan, bring the chicken stock and saffron threads to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
2.In a large, deep paella pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3.Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until softened and fragrant.
4.Remove the chorizo from its casing and slice into thin rounds. Add the chorizo rounds to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
5.Add the Spanish rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and spices. Toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
6.Stir in the Spanish sweet paprika and grated roma tomatoes, then gradually pour in the saffron-infused chicken stock. Add the clams, mussels, prawns, and red bell pepper strips to the pan, distributing evenly.
7.Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked through.
8.In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the peas over the top of the rice and seafood and continue to cook, uncovered, until the peas are cooked through.
9.Once the rice and seafood are cooked to perfection, turn off the heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes.
10.Garnish with chopped fresh Italian parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with sliced baguette.

PROS

Maria’s Classic Paella is a one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and packed with flavors and textures.

The combination of Spanish rice, saffron-infused chicken stock, and fresh seafood is a winning recipe that will leave you craving more.

CONS

Paella is a relatively time-consuming dish to prepare, with multiple steps involved in creating the perfect flavor profile.
It requires a large, deep pan to accommodate all the ingredients, which may not be readily available in every kitchen.

It is also a relatively high-calorie and high-fat dish, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The seafood in this dish is a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to supporting heart and brain health.
The saffron used in this recipe has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit individuals with certain health conditions.

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