Spanish Paella

Making a Spanish paella with olive oil adds a lovely depth of flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious seafood and chicken paella.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, for traditional flavor)
• 2 cups short-grain rice (like Bomba or Arborio)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup mussels or clams (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they soften, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the Vegetables and Spices:
   • Add the green beans and diced tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the smoked paprika and saffron (if using), mixing well.
3. Cook the Rice:
   • Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat the grains in the oil and spices.
   • Pour in the chicken or seafood broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Do not stir after this point; let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
4. Add the Proteins:
   • Arrange the cooked chicken, shrimp, and mussels (if using) on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. Let It Rest:
   • Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, covered. This allows the flavors to meld.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Tips:

• You can customize your paella with different proteins or vegetables according to your preference.
• For a smoky flavor, you can add some chorizo sausage as well.

Enjoy your flavorful paella made with olive oil! It’s a vibrant dish that brings a taste of Spain to your table.