If you’re like me, you love to use your tastebuds to travel to places all over the world. Since today is National Spanish Paella Day , we honor one of our favorite dishes with a classic recipe for you to enjoy in your own kitchen.
Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in Valencia, on the eastern coast of Spain. It’s a rice-based dish that is typically made with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and meat, and is cooked in a large, shallow pan called a paellera.
Cooking paella is an experience in itself. From the sizzle of the rice hitting the pan to the rich aroma of saffron and smoked paprika wafting through your kitchen, every step of the process is a feast for the senses. Paella is a great meal for gatherings with family and friends, as it’s meant to be enjoyed together in a social setting. Add this recipe to a weekly dinner night to bring your family together with an experience of a meal.
Here is a classic recipe for Spanish paella.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of short-grain Spanish rice
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 pound of chorizo sausage, sliced
- 1/2 pound of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into small pieces
- 1 pound of mixed seafood (mussels, shrimp, calamari)
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large paellera or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the bell peppers and tomato to the skillet and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chorizo sausage and chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, and saffron threads. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chicken broth, white wine, and frozen peas to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Add the mixed seafood to the skillet and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is crispy on the bottom.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Enjoy your delicious Spanish paella with family and friends!
Whether you are in your family kitchen or in Valencia, Spain, you can still experience the magic of paella for yourself. This classic recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or dinner party.
Happy Paella Day!
Gilded Flavors
#paella #recipe #travel
**Photo by Armando Brenlha on Unsplash