Easy Paella Recipe

Here’s a classic recipe for Easy Paella Recipe, a traditional Spanish dish known for its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation. This version combines chicken, seafood.

Easy Paella Recipe

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (or 1/2 teaspoon saffron powder)
• 2 cups Bomba or Calasparra rice (or any short-grain rice)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

the Proteins:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 8 oz (225g) chorizo, sliced
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:

• In a large paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
• Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
• Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, and saffron. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

2. Add the Chicken and Chorizo:

• Push the vegetable mixture to the side of the pan and add the chicken pieces. Brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes.
• Add the chorizo slices and cook for another 3 minutes.

3. Add Rice and Broth:

• Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well coated with oil and mixed with the other ingredients.
• Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

4. Cook the Paella:

• Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer without stirring for about 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavors.
• After 15 minutes, tuck the shrimp and mussels into the rice. If using peas, sprinkle them on top as well.
• Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.

5. Create Socarrat:

• For that coveted socarrat (crispy bottom layer), increase the heat to medium-high for a few minutes at the end of cooking. Listen for a crackling sound but watch closely to avoid burning.

6. Serve:

• Remove from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips

• Feel free to customize your paella by adding other proteins like calamari or different vegetables based on your preference.
• Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Easy Paella Recipe

This Easy Paella Recipe brings the bold flavors of Spain to your table with minimal effort. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced red bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of short-grain rice (like Arborio) and cook for another minute, coating the rice in the oil and vegetables.Easy Paella Recipe

Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads (optional for authentic flavor), and salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and 1/2 cup of white wine, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed.Easy Paella Recipe

Next, add 1 cup of peas and your choice of seafood or meat—like shrimp, mussels, or chicken thighs—nestling them into the rice. Cover the pan and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of brightness. This easy paella is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan dish, perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests!Easy Paella Recipe

Enjoy your homemade Paella! It’s perfect for gatherings or special occasions, bringing a taste of Spain to your table.