THE ULTIMATE PAELLA
- WineCheeseScallops
- Sep 10, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 3
A Flavorful Fiesta: Introducing Our Delicious Paella Recipe!
Bring a taste of Spain to your kitchen with our vibrant and flavorful paella recipe! Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is packed with a delightful mix of chicken, sausage, seafood, and fresh vegetables, all cooked together in a fragrant, savory broth. Our paella combines traditional ingredients like saffron-infused rice with a touch of Old Bay seasoning for a unique twist. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of hearty meats, or just someone who enjoys a good, satisfying meal, this paella recipe has something for everyone. The best part? It’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and stunning presentation. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure—try our paella recipe today and discover why it’s a must-have in your recipe collection!
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Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Valencia region on the eastern coast of Spain. Its roots trace back to the mid-19th century, although the concept of cooking rice with a variety of ingredients dates even earlier. The dish is named after the wide, shallow pan in which it is cooked, called a "paellera," which allows for even cooking and the development of the prized crispy bottom layer of rice known as "socarrat."
Originally, paella was a rural dish, cooked over an open fire by farmers and laborers who would use whatever ingredients were readily available. This typically included rabbit, chicken, and local vegetables, with snails and beans often added as well. The use of seafood in paella is a later adaptation, inspired by the abundance of fresh fish and shellfish available along the Mediterranean coast.
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The essential element of paella is its saffron-infused rice, which gives the dish its distinctive golden color and aromatic flavor. The combination of saffron, paprika, and other spices reflects Spain's long history of trade and cultural exchange, especially with regions like the Middle East and North Africa, where these spices were commonly used.
Over time, paella has evolved and diversified into many regional varieties, with different ingredients and cooking methods reflecting the local produce and culinary traditions. Today, it is a beloved dish worldwide, celebrated for its rich flavors, vibrant presentation, and the sense of togetherness it brings when shared with family and friends. Whether cooked with seafood, meat, or vegetables, paella remains a symbol of Spanish cuisine and culture, embodying the country's love for flavorful, communal meals.
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Why Our Paella Recipe is the Best
Authentic Flavor with a Twist: Our recipe stays true to the traditional Spanish flavors with a unique touch of Old Bay seasoning, adding a delightful twist that makes our paella stand out.
Perfectly Balanced Ingredients: We use a delicious combination of chicken, Andouille sausage, shrimp, mussels, and clams, ensuring a perfect balance of proteins and seafood that makes every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Rich, Aromatic Broth: The seasoned chicken broth brings a deep, aromatic flavor to the dish, while a splash of licorice liquor adds a subtle, unexpected layer of complexity.
Vibrant and Colorful: Loaded with fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, green beans, and peas, our paella not only tastes amazing but looks stunning, making it perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions: With our step-by-step guide, you can easily create this impressive dish, even if you’re new to making paella. We break down each step to ensure your paella turns out perfect every time.
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The combination of golden saffron rice, colorful vegetables, and fresh seafood makes for a visually stunning dish that's sure to wow your family and friends.
Versatile and Customizable: Our recipe offers flexibility with ingredients, allowing you to add your favorite proteins or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
A One-Pan Wonder: Made in a single pan, our paella is not only delicious but also easy to prepare and clean up, making it a great option for any occasion.
Guaranteed Crispy Socarrat: Our cooking technique ensures that you get that highly sought-after crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan, which adds an extra dimension of texture and flavor to the dish.
Delicious Leftovers: Paella is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Our recipe makes plenty, so you can enjoy the rich, melded flavors of leftover paella for days!
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Ingredients:
1 lb Andouille sausage
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can use breasts if preferred)
1 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 scallions, chopped
2 Tbs cilantro, coarsely chopped (plus more for garnish)
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup green beans, finely chopped
1/2 cup shelled green peas (we used frozen)
1 Tbs paprika
1 Tbs Old Bay seasoning
1 pinch of cayenne
2 Tbs butter
2 cups rice
4 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup licorice liquor
8 large shrimp
16 mussels, scrubbed
12 littleneck clams, scrubbed
Salt to taste
Lemons, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the chicken into small pieces, season with salt, and set aside.
In a large saucepan, bake the sausage in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and set aside for 15 minutes to allow the sausage to release its juices. Remove the sausage and set aside.
In the same saucepan, heat the olive oil over high heat. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened. Then, add the tomatoes, red bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, and salt, and sauté until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
Slice the sausage and mix it with the vegetables, along with the chicken, peas, and green beans. Remove the pan from the stove and mix in the paprika, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne, and butter.
Return the pan to the stove. Add the rice and fry until it takes on some color. Meanwhile, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
Add the chicken broth and licorice liquor to the pan and stir well. Bring to a boil. Cover and place in the oven. Cook for 15 minutes.
Add the shrimp, mussels, and clams, burying them under the cooking rice. Cover again and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
When all is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes so that the juices can blend with the rice. Make sure all the mussels and clams have opened.
Note: In the pictured version, we added crab legs and a lobster tail. We boiled them ahead of time, placed them in an ice bath, then refrigerated them until ready to be added to the dish. Cover and warm for about another 5 minutes.
Take a look at our previous attempts at cooking this dish
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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