My dad’s Spanish Paellaย
Transport your taste buds to Spain with our authentic Paella recipe! Packed with a mix of succulent seafood, savory meats, and vibrant veggies, this dish is a true celebration of flavors. Perfect for gatherings, this paella is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
3 cups bomba or calasparra rice (arborio risotto works as a substitute)
8 cups chicken stock
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large bell pepper, diced
10-15 flat green beans
4 plum tomatoes, diced
0.5 (4 oz) can tomato paste
15 large shrimp (feel free to add clams, calamari, prawns, or mussels)
2-3 lbs rabbit (or substitute with chicken legs)
4 links chorizo sausages, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup fresh parsley
2-3 tablespoons fresh thyme
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1 pinch saffron
3 lemons, quartered
Directions:
Prepare Ingredients: Have all ingredients ready before starting. Season the rabbit (or chicken) and shrimp with salt. Keep chicken stock hot but not boiling.
Cook Meats: In a large paella pan, heat olive oil and brown the chorizo for 1-2 minutes. Set aside. Brown the rabbit (or chicken) for 2-3 minutes and set aside.
Cook Vegetables: Sautรฉ garlic, onion, and bell pepper until softened. Add diced tomatoes shortly before finishing.
Caramelize Tomato Paste: Push vegetables to the side and caramelize the tomato paste in the pan for 1-2 minutes.
Combine: Mix all vegetables and meats with caramelized tomato paste. Add paprika, parsley, and thyme.
Add Rice: Stir in rice, browning for 1-1.5 minutes. Mix in saffron, breaking it between your fingers to release oils.
Add Stock: Pour enough hot chicken stock to cover the mixture. Keep at a steady boil over medium heat.
Cook Paella: Stir occasionally for the first 5-10 minutes, then let it cook undisturbed for another 10-20 minutes, adding stock to keep the rice submerged. Lay shrimp on top when about 8 minutes remain, turning after 2-4 minutes.
Rest: When rice is al dente, remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with lemon wedges and enjoy your homemade paella!
