Seafood Paella

Seafood Paella

Seafood Paella is a flavorful Spanish dish with saffron-infused rice, shrimp, mussels, and squid. Here’s a traditional recipe to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio or Bomba rice (Spanish paella rice)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm water
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth, warmed
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1/2 lb squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges and fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large paella pan or wide skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Toast the Rice:
   • Stir in the rice, smoked paprika, and saffron (with soaking water). Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
3. Deglaze with Wine:
   • Pour in the white wine and cook until mostly absorbed.
4. Add the Broth and Cook the Rice:
   • Pour in the warm broth, stirring gently to distribute the rice evenly.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, without stirring, for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add the Seafood:
   • Arrange the shrimp, mussels, and squid on top of the rice.
   • Scatter the peas over the top, cover with foil or a lid, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the seafood is cooked and the mussels open up.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
   • Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley before serving.

Serve this classic seafood paella family-style and enjoy the vibrant flavors!