Seafood Paella Recipe: An Authentic Spanish Dish
Introduction
Seafood Paella is one of the most popular dishes in Spain. This flavorful dish has a colorful history, which dates back to the early 19th century. It originally came from the Valencia region of Spain, where it was cooked over an open fire in a large, shallow pan called a paellera. The dish was made with chicken, rabbit, and snails, along with saffron, a spice that gave the dish its distinctive flavor and aroma. Today, seafood paella is one of the most popular variations of this dish, and it is enjoyed all over the world.Ingredients
To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:- 1 pound of shrimp
- 1 pound of mussels
- 1 pound of clams
- 1 pound of calamari
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups of short-grain rice
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
First, you will need to clean and prepare the seafood. Peel and devein the shrimp, scrub the mussels and clams, and remove the heads and tentacles from the calamari. Rinse the seafood thoroughly under cold running water, and set it aside.Step 2: Make the Sofrito
In a large paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the chopped bell peppers and continue to sauté until they are softened.Step 3: Add the Rice
Add the short-grain rice to the pan and stir until it is coated with the sofrito. Toast the rice for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden.Step 4: Add the Liquid
Add the chicken broth, white wine, and saffron threads to the pan. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Bring the liquid to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.Step 5: Add the Seafood
Add the prepared seafood to the pan, arranging it evenly over the top of the rice. Cover the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the seafood is cooked through.Step 6: Add the Tomatoes and Peas
Add the can of diced tomatoes and frozen peas to the pan, and stir them in gently. Cover the pan again and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the peas are tender.Step 7: Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the seafood paella hot, garnished with lemon wedges.Nutrition
This recipe serves six people, and each serving contains approximately:- Calories: 500
- Protein: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g