## Paella: A Journey Through Spanish Flavors
Paella, a vibrant and aromatic dish originating from Valencia, Spain, is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine. This delectable rice dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a captivating spectacle, prepared in a traditional paella pan over an open flame. The word "paella" derives from the Latin word "patella," meaning pan, highlighting the dish's humble beginnings.
This article presents a collection of the best paella recipes, each offering a unique take on this beloved dish. From the classic Valencian paella bursting with seafood and succulent chicken to the vegetarian paella brimming with fresh vegetables and savory spices, these recipes cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the rich flavors and vibrant colors of paella, a dish that embodies the spirit of Spanish culinary traditions.
BEST PAELLA
A big pan of paella is the perfect choice when cooking for a crowd. All you need to round out the meal is fresh bread and a green salad.-Jane Montgomery, Hilliard, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h30m
Yield 24 servings (1 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- In a large skillet, cook turkey and chorizo in oil in batches until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm. , In the same skillet, saute onions and red pepper until tender. Add garlic and cayenne; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomato puree and wine. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Transfer to a stock pot. Stir in the water, rice, broth, salt, thyme, saffron, bay leaf, turkey and chorizo. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. , Add shrimp; cook for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Remove from the heat; discard bay leaf. Stir in olives and parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 536 calories, Fat 26g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 159mg cholesterol, Sodium 1430mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 39g protein.
THE ULTIMATE PAELLA
For a taste of seaside Spain, serve Tyler Florence's The Ultimate Paella recipe, an authentic rice dish studded with chicken, chorizo, clams, shrimp and lobster.
Provided by Tyler Florence
Categories main-dish
Time 2h30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Combine the paprika and oregano in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken and marinate chicken for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Heat oil in a paella pan over medium-high heat. Saute the chorizo until browned, remove and reserve. Add chicken skin-side down and brown on all sides, turning with tongs. Add salt and freshly ground pepper. Remove from pan and reserve.
- In the same pan, make a sofrito by sauteing the onions, garlic, and parsley. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes on a medium heat. Then, add tomatoes and cook until the mixture caramelizes a bit and the flavors meld. Fold in the rice and stir-fry to coat the grains. Pour in water and simmer for 10 minutes, gently moving the pan around so the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid. Add chicken, chorizo, and saffron. Add the clams and shrimp, tucking them into the rice. The shrimp will take about 8 minutes to cook. Give the paella a good shake and let it simmer, without stirring, until the rice is al dente, for about 15 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, when the rice is filling the pan, add the lobster tails. When the paella is cooked and the rice looks fluffy and moist, turn the heat up for 40 seconds until you can smell the rice toast at the bottom, then it's perfect.
- Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with peas, parsley and lemon wedges.
PAELLA
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories main-dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Spritz 4 to 5 pieces of newspaper with vegetable oil and put in the bottom of a charcoal chimney starter. Fill the chimney with half of the charcoal and light the newspaper.
- When the charcoal is lightly covered with gray ash, carefully pour onto the bottom grate of a kettle grill and spread evenly. Top with the remaining unlit charcoal, spreading evenly so as not to suffocate the lit charcoal. Set the second grate in the kettle and cover until ready to cook.
- Meanwhile, halve the tomatoes and remove the seeds to a fine mesh strainer set over a small bowl to catch the juice. Grate the seeded halves on the large hole side of a box grater and discard the skins. Combine the reserved juice and grated tomato and set aside.
- Warm the chicken broth in a kettle or 4-quart saucepan over high heat until it reaches 200 degrees F. Remove the broth from the heat and cover to keep warm.
- Combine the rice, saffron, rosemary, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and paprika in a small mixing bowl.
- Heat the olive oil in the paella pan on the prepared grill. Season the chicken on all sides with the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. Once the olive oil shimmers, add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side. Move the chicken to the outer edges of the pan. Add the green beans, red bell pepper, green bell pepper and garlic to the center of the pan and cook until they begin to soften and darken in color, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juice and cook until most of the liquid has dissipated and the tomatoes thicken and darken, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the rice mixture to the center of the pan and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Redistribute the chicken pieces on top of the rice. Add 4 cups of the warm chicken broth and stir to distribute the rice evenly in the pan, making sure that all rice is completely submerged in liquid. From this point forward do not stir the paella. After 8 to 9 minutes, when all of the liquid is absorbed and the rice appears dry, add an additional 4 cups of broth. Continue to cook without stirring, until the liquid is absorbed, about 8 to 9 minutes. The rice should be firm to the bite and the grains have a tiny white dot in the center. Add the remaining cup of broth as needed, until the rice is cooked through. Watch the fire to make sure it is heating evenly and adjust the pan to prevent uneven cooking.
- Remove the pan from the heat, cover with a tea towel and rest for 15 minutes before serving.
EASY PAELLA
An easy to make paella using chorizo, chicken, and shrimp.
Provided by mls
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Spanish
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper. Stir in chicken pieces to coat. Cover, and refrigerate.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and rice. Cook, stirring, to coat rice with oil, about 3 minutes. Stir in saffron threads, bay leaf, parsley, chicken stock, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Stir in marinated chicken and onion; cook 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper and sausage; cook 5 minutes. Stir in shrimp; cook, turning the shrimp, until both sides are pink.
- Spread rice mixture onto a serving tray. Top with meat and seafood mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 736.2 calories, Carbohydrate 45.7 g, Cholesterol 202.5 mg, Fat 35.1 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 55.7 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 1204.2 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your paella. Use fresh, flavorful seafood, meats, and vegetables.
- Cook the rice properly: The rice is the heart of paella, so it's important to cook it properly. Use a medium-grain rice, such as Valencia or bomba rice, and cook it in a flavorful broth.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Paella is a delicate dish, so it's important not to overcrowd the pan. If you do, the rice will not cook evenly and the paella will be mushy.
- Use a wide, shallow pan: A wide, shallow pan will allow the paella to cook evenly and develop a nice crust on the bottom.
- Don't stir the paella too much: Stirring the paella too much will break up the rice and make it mushy. Stir it gently and only when necessary.
- Let the paella rest before serving: Once the paella is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb the broth.
Conclusion:
Paella is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, paella is a perfect dish for a party or a special occasion. If you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give paella a try. You won't be disappointed!
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