Best Paella Recipe: The Real Spanish Recipe

Discover the authentic taste of Spain with this traditional paella recipe.

Bursting with rich flavors of saffron, smoky paprika, and fresh seafood, this classic dish will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.

Perfect for entertaining or enjoying with family, this delicious paella will have everyone asking for seconds.

So let’s dive into the world of Spanish cuisine and create the best paella you’ve ever tasted.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup chopped cooked chorizo
• 1 cup assorted seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large paella pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Stir in the Arborio rice, saffron, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. Add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4. Stir in the peas, cooked chicken, and chorizo. Arrange the seafood on top of the rice mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks:

• If you don’t have a paella pan, use a large, wide skillet with a tight-fitting lid for even cooking.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken and chorizo with a variety of vegetables such as artichoke hearts, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Nutritional Information:

Substitution Options:

• Replace the Arborio rice with medium-grain rice or Bomba rice, if available.
• Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian.

Wine or Beverage Pairings:

A crisp white wine, such as an Albariño or a Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well with the flavors of this paella. Alternatively, enjoy this dish with a refreshing Spanish beer or a glass of sangria.