Best 10 Easiest Ever Paella Recipes

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spain with our comprehensive guide to Paella, a delectable dish bursting with seafood, succulent chicken, and the essence of saffron. This article presents a diverse collection of Paella recipes, catering to various dietary preferences and culinary skills. Dive into the classic Paella Valenciana, the traditional recipe originating from the heart of Valencia, featuring a medley of seafood and chicken, all simmering in a saffron-infused broth. For seafood enthusiasts, the Paella de Marisco awaits, showcasing an array of shrimp, mussels, calamari, and more, swimming in a flavorful seafood stock. If you prefer a vegetarian delight, the Paella de Verduras is a vibrant symphony of fresh vegetables, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Meat lovers will rejoice in the Paella de Pollo y Chorizo, where succulent chicken and spicy chorizo колбаса колбаса sausage create a savory harmony. And for those seeking a quick and effortless meal, the Paella Express is your go-to option, delivering the authentic taste of Paella in a fraction of the time. Whichever recipe you choose, prepare to be captivated by the vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and delectable flavors of this Spanish culinary masterpiece.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPANISH PAELLA



Spanish Paella image

You can make a delicious, authentic Paella--the most popular dish of Spain--in your own kitchen with simple ingredients like rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood.

Provided by Lauren Allen

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/4 cup Extra virgin olive Oil ((Spanish EVOO if you have it))
1 Onion (, diced)
1 bell pepper (, diced (I like to use ½ red and ½ green))
4 cloves Garlic
3 roma tomatoes (, very finely diced (or 8 oz. tomato sauce))
Bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika (, sweet or smoked)
1 pinch saffron threads*
Salt and pepper
¼ cup white wine
4 boneless , skinless chicken thighs (, cut into pieces*)
¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (chopped, divided)
2 cups Spanish Rice*
5 cups Chicken Broth*
1/2 cup frozen peas
½ lb Jumbo Shrimp or prawns (, about 12 - peeled, tail on)
1/2 lb Mussels ((about 10-12), cleaned properly (beards off))
8 oz calamari rings
Lemons (, for garnish)

Steps:

  • *Please note, this is my version of Paella Mixta I learned to make while living in Madrid, Spain. I've simplified the recipe as best I could for anyone to be able to make without a special pan or equipment. There are MANY variations to Paella so please be respectful that my authentic recipe may be different from yours!
  • Add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell peppers and garlic and cook until onion is translucent. Add chopped tomato, bay leaf, paprika, saffron salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add white wine and cook for 10 minutes. Taste and add salt if needed.
  • Add chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and rice to the pot. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour the broth slowly all around the pan and jiggle the pan to get the rice into an even layer. (Do not stir the mixture going forward!).
  • Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low. Give the pan a gentle shake back and forth just once or twice during cooking. (We don't ever stir the rice, so that a crispy crust forms at the bottom, called a socarrat).
  • Cook for about 15-18 minutes (uncovered), then nestle the shrimp, mussels and calamari into the mixture, sprinkle peas on top and continue to cook (without stirring) for about 5 more minutes. Watch for most of the liquid to be absorbed and the rice at the top nearly tender. (If for some reason your rice is still not cooked, add ¼ cup more water or broth and continue cooking).
  • Remove pan from heat and cover pan with a lid or tinfoil. Place a kitchen towel over the lid and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 535 kcal, Carbohydrate 59 g, Protein 37 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 260 mg, Sodium 1159 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

EASY SEAFOOD PAELLA RECIPE



Easy Seafood Paella Recipe image

Easy saffron-infused seafood paella recipe with lobster and shrimp! No need for a special paella pan, a large sturdy skillet like cast iron will work well. Be sure to see the tips for best results. Watch the video and step-by-step tutorial above.

Provided by The Mediterranean Dish

Categories     Entree

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 small lobster tails (6-12 oz each)
Water
3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I used Private Reserve)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cups Spanish rice or medium-grain rice, soaked in water for 20 minutes and then drained
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 large pinches of Spanish saffron threads soaked in 1/2 cup water
1 tsp Sweet Spanish paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp chile pepper flakes (I used aleppo pepper)
Salt
2 large Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
6 oz French green beans, trimmed
1 lb prawns or large shrimp or your choice, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the lobster tails and let boil very briefly (1-2 minutes) until pink. Turn the heat off. Remove the lobster tails with a pair of tongs. Do not discard the lobster cooking water. When the lobster is cool enough to handle, remove the shell and cut into large chunks.
  • In a large deep pan or cast iron skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil. Turn the heat to medium-high and add the chopped onions. Saute the onions for 2 minutes then add the rice, and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring regularly. Now add the chopped garlic and the lobster cooking water. Stir in the saffron and it's soaking liquid, paprika, cayenne pepper, aleppo pepper, and salt. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green beans. Bring to a boil and let the liquid slightly reduce, then cover (with lid or tightly with foil) and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
  • Uncover and spread the shrimp over the rice, pushing it into the rice slightly. Add a little water if needed. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink. Finally, add the cooked lobster chunks. When the lobster is warmed through, turn heat off. Garnish with parsley.
  • Serve the paella hot with your favorite white wine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 516 calories, Sugar 4.3 g, Sodium 862.3 mg, Fat 21.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, TransFat 0.1 g, Carbohydrate 61.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 41.1 g, Cholesterol 190.1 mg

THE ULTIMATE PAELLA



The Ultimate Paella image

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

Chicken:
1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
2 teaspoons oregano
1 (3 pound) frying chicken, cut into 10 pieces
Paella:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 Spanish chorizo sausages, thickly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Spanish onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, crushed
Bunch flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped, reserve some for garnish
1 (15-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and hand-crushed
4 cups short grain Spanish rice
6 cups water, warm
Generous pinch saffron threads
1 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed
1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined
2 lobster tails
1/2 cup sweet peas, frozen and thawed
Lemon wedges, for serving

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.

EASY PAELLA



Easy Paella image

You may not think of paella as a weeknight dish, but this half-hour recipe might change your mind. The trick is to start it on the stove and finish it in a superhot oven so you get a nice, crisp crust on the bottom. The name "paella" refers not to a combination of rice, seafood, sausage and other meats, but rather to the paellera, a large pan that looks like a flat wok. But you don't need one to make a good paella. A cast-iron skillet will do just fine. Shrimp is called for here, but you can use chicken, sausage, vegetables, scallops, pork or firm tofu in its place.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 cups chicken stock (see text)
Pinch saffron
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
2 cups short- or medium-grain rice
Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
2 cups raw peeled shrimp, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
Minced parsley for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees, or as near as you can. Warm the stock in a saucepan with the saffron. Place a 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. One minute later, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the rice, and cook, stirring occasionally, until glossy -- just a minute or two. Season liberally with salt and pepper, and add the warmed stock, taking care to avoid the rising steam. Stir in the shrimp, and transfer the pan to the oven.
  • Bake about 25 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is dry on top. Garnish, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 605, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 89 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 1024 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

QUICK AND EASY PAELLA



Quick and Easy Paella image

Consider this a gateway paella and the first step to a serious, lifelong addiction. When I first do a version of a classic dish like paella, I try to use a minimum number of ingredients and steps to focus on technique. After learning the method, you'll ideally use a wider variety of ingredients, like clams, mussels, squid, and chicken, which will make your rice that much more interesting. Garnish with extra virgin olive oil, freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, and lemon wedges.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Spanish

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ teaspoon saffron threads, or more to taste
2 ¼ cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces chorizo sausage, sliced into thin rounds
½ yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ⅓ cups Arborio rice
½ cup green peas
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
salt to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Cook and stir reserved shrimp shells and 2 teaspoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until shells are pink and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir saffron into shells; add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until broth is a rusty brown and fragrant, about 20 minutes.
  • Strain saffron broth through a fine-mesh sieve; measure out 2 cups of broth, pour into a small saucepan, and place over low heat to keep broth hot.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Cook chorizo slices in hot oil until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Add onion to sausage; cook and stir until soft and slightly translucent, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Stir garlic into chorizo mixture; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add rice to skillet and stir to coat rice completely in oil; stir in peas.
  • Pat rice mixture evenly into the bottom of the skillet. Arrange shrimp in a single layer over the top of the rice. Lay pepper strips around and in between shrimp; season with salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Increase heat to high. When rice begins to sizzle in the skillet, pour reserved 2 cups hot saffron broth over the shrimp; gently shake the skillet to distribute liquid.
  • Bake rice mixture in the preheated oven until rice is almost tender and still a bit wet, about 20 minutes.
  • Place skillet over medium-high and cook until rice is tender, liquid is absorbed, and rice caramelizes and crusts slightly on the bottom of the skillet, 3 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 476.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.9 g, Cholesterol 150.2 mg, Fat 19.3 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 26.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 975.1 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

EASY PAELLA



Easy Paella image

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

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
salt and black pepper to taste
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups uncooked short-grain white rice
1 pinch saffron threads
1 bay leaf
½ bunch Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 quart chicken stock
2 lemons, zested
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 Spanish onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

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

EASY PAELLA



Easy paella image

Whip up this easy version of the traditional Spanish seafood dish straight from the storecupboard. Add extras such as chorizo and peas if you like

Provided by Jane Hornby

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp each hot smoked paprika and dried thyme
300g paella or risotto rice
3 tbsp dry sherry or white wine (optional)
400g can chopped tomatoes with garlic
900ml chicken stock
400g frozen seafood mix
1 lemon, ½ juiced, ½ cut into wedges
handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or wok. Add the onion and soften for 5 mins.
  • Add the smoked paprika, thyme and paella rice, stir for 1 min, then splash in the sherry, if using. Once evaporated, stir in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock.
  • Season and cook, uncovered, for about 15 mins, stirring now and again until the rice is almost tender and still surrounded with some liquid.
  • Stir in the seafood mix and cover with a lid. Simmer for 5 mins, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender. Squeeze over the lemon juice, scatter over the parsley and serve with the lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 431 calories, Fat 5 grams fat, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 66 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 5 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 34 grams protein, Sodium 2.1 milligram of sodium

CROCKPOT EASIEST-EVER PAELLA



Crockpot Easiest-Ever Paella image

This truly is an easy version of paella, a dish that can be considerably complicated. Leave it to Sandra Lee to uncomplicate the recipe so that even a tired cook can produce this meal!

Provided by Lorraine of AZ

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 2h35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces fully cooked andouille sausages, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 (14 ounce) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth (Swanson brand suggested)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can no salt added diced tomatoes
2 (5 5/8 ounce) packages Spanish rice mix
1 cup frozen loose-pack petite peas (C & W brand suggested)
1/2 cup frozen chopped onions (Ore-Ida brand suggested)
1 cup frozen cooked shrimp, thawed

Steps:

  • In a 4-quart slow-cooker, stir together chicken, sausage, broth, undrained tomatoes, Spanish rice mix, peas, and onions until thoroughly combined.
  • Cover and cook on HI heat for 2 hours. Stir in shrimp. Cover and cook for 20 or 30 minutes or until shrimp are heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258, Fat 14.9, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 46.1, Sodium 673, Carbohydrate 11.7, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 4.6, Protein 19.8

BEST PAELLA



Best Paella image

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

3 pounds uncooked skinless turkey breast, cubed
4 pounds uncooked chorizo, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces or bulk spicy pork sausage
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups tomato puree
1 cup white wine or chicken broth
5 cups water
4 cups uncooked long grain rice
3-1/2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon saffron threads or 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 bay leaf
2 pounds uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup pitted Greek olives
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

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.

EASIEST EVER PAELLA



Easiest Ever Paella image

Think paella's too much of a challenge? Think again, this easy recipe makes it foolproof and is full of fantastic flavor.

Provided by English_Rose

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, sliced
4 ounces chorizo sausage, chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric
11 ounces long grain rice
4 1/4 cups chicken stock
7 ounces frozen peas
14 ounces frozen seafood, mix defrosted

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a deep frying pan, then soften the onion for 5 mins without browning. Add the chorizo and fry until it releases its oils.
  • Stir in the turmeric and rice until coated by the oils, then pour in the stock. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 mins, stirring occasionally.
  • Tip in the peas and cook for 5 mins, then stir in the seafood to heat through for a final 1-2 mins cooking or until rice is cooked. Check for seasoning and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh seafood, vegetables, and rice are essential for a great paella.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. When adding the rice, make sure it is spread out in a thin layer so that it can cook evenly.
  • Cook the paella over medium heat. This will help to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan and burning.
  • Add the liquid gradually. Don't add all of the liquid at once, or the rice will become mushy. Add it in small increments, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked through.
  • Season the paella to taste. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and saffron to taste. You can also add other spices, such as cumin or garlic powder, if you like.
  • Let the paella rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb the liquid.

Conclusion:

Paella is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it is a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you can easily make a delicious paella at home with the help of this recipe. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Spain!

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