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| Seafood Paella – A Classic Spanish Rice Dish |
🥘 Seafood Paella – A Classic Spanish Rice Dish
Few dishes capture the spirit of Spain like Seafood Paella. With fragrant saffron, smoky paprika, and a mix of tender seafood, this one-pan meal is bursting with color, flavor, and tradition. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, yet elegant enough to impress guests.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups short-grain rice (like Bomba or Arborio)
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, calamari)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water for best flavor)
- 4 cups seafood broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving 🍋
👨🏾🍳 Directions
1. Build the Flavor Base
Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 more minute until the spices bloom.
3. Toast the Rice
Add rice and saffron (with its soaking liquid). Stir gently so each grain gets coated in the oil and spices. This step infuses the rice with incredible flavor.
4. Add Broth
Pour in the warm seafood broth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook Without Stirring
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. (Resist the urge to stir—this helps create the signature “socarrat,” the golden crust at the bottom.)
6. Add Seafood & Peas
After 15 minutes, nestle in the shrimp, mussels, calamari, and peas. Cover again and cook for 5–7 minutes until seafood is just cooked and mussels have opened.
7. Rest & Serve
Remove from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
⏱ Timing & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
🌟 Suggested Pairings
- Crispy garlic bread 🥖
- A simple mixed green salad 🥗
- A chilled glass of white wine or sangria 🍷