Spanish Paella – A saffron-infused rice dish with seafood

Spanish Paella – A Saffron-Infused Rice Dish with Seafood

Experience the vibrant flavors of Spanish Paella, a world-renowned dish that brings together saffron-infused rice, fresh seafood, and aromatic spices. Originating from Valencia, Spain, paella has become a symbol of Spanish cuisine, with regional variations featuring chicken, rabbit, or mixed meats.

This one-pan dish is cooked to perfection in a wide, shallow paella pan, allowing the rice to absorb rich flavors while developing the signature socarrat—a crispy, caramelized layer at the bottom.

A Dish with Many Names: Regional Variations Across Spain and Beyond

Paella is deeply rooted in Spanish culinary tradition, with distinct variations based on regional preferences:

Spain:

• Paella Valenciana – The original version with rabbit, chicken, and snails
• Paella de Marisco – A seafood paella featuring prawns, mussels, and squid
• Paella Mixta – A combination of seafood and meat
• Paella Negra – A black paella colored with squid ink

Beyond Spain:

• Arroz con Mariscos (Latin America) – A seafood rice dish inspired by paella, popular in Peru and Ecuador
• Jambalaya (Louisiana, USA) – A Creole dish similar to paella, featuring rice, seafood, chicken, and sausages
• Riz Pilaf (France & Middle East) – Though not identical, pilaf shares similarities in its flavored rice base

Recipe Overview (Quick Facts Section)

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 620 kcal
• Cooking Difficulty: Moderate
• Lifestyle Suitability & Specialty: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Traditional Spanish Cuisine
• Countries Where the Meal is Popular: Spain, United States, France, Latin America, United Kingdom

Detailed Description

Paella is a celebration of Spanish flavors, cooked in a single paella pan where short-grain Bomba rice absorbs a rich saffron-infused broth. The seafood version, Paella de Marisco, is especially popular along Spain’s coastal regions, featuring shrimp, mussels, squid, and clams.

Traditionally cooked over an open flame, paella is a social dish, often prepared for gatherings and festivals. The secret to an authentic paella lies in achieving the socarrat—the crispy, caramelized rice layer at the bottom.

If you want to recreate this Spanish masterpiece in your kitchen, follow this detailed recipe!

Ingredients (Serving for 2 People)

✅ For the Paella Base:

✔ 1 cup Bomba rice (or Arborio rice)
✔ 2 ½ cups seafood broth
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔ 1 medium onion, finely chopped
✔ 2 garlic cloves, minced
✔ 1 medium tomato, grated
✔ ½ tsp smoked paprika
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ ¼ tsp saffron threads, soaked in warm water

✅ For the Seafood Topping:

✔ 100g prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
✔ 100g mussels, cleaned
✔ 100g squid, sliced into rings
✔ 50g clams (optional)

✅ For Garnish:

✔ 1 lemon, cut into wedges
✔ 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Items NOT Included in Delivery:

• Seafood (prawns, mussels, squid, clams)
• Water

List of Utensils Required:

• Paella pan (or large shallow skillet)
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board & knife

Nutritional Information (Per Serving & Per 100g)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a paella pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 3 minutes).

Step 2: Stir in the Bomba rice, coating it in the oil. Add grated tomato, paprika, salt, black pepper, and saffron-infused water. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb flavors.

Step 3: Pour in the seafood broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15-18 minutes, without stirring, to develop socarrat.

Step 4: Nestle prawns, mussels, squid, and clams into the rice. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, until seafood is fully cooked.

Step 5: Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve directly from the pan for an authentic experience!

Explore Related Categories & Subcategories

• Shop Seafood
• Shop Saffron & Spices
• Shop Cooking Oils

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