Classic Spanish Paella Recipe

Learn how to make a classic Spanish paella with this easy step-by-step recipe. This traditional dish features saffron-infused rice cooked with a variety of seafood, meats, and vegetables. Perfect for a special occasion or a flavorful weeknight dinner, this paella is a true taste of Spain.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups seafood broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
• 1/2 pound chorizo sausage, sliced
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large paella pan or a wide shallow skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. Add the chicken and chorizo to the pan, and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and chorizo from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the bell peppers and cook until they begin to soften. Then, add the Arborio rice and cook for a couple of minutes until it's well coated with the oil and juices in the pan.
4. Pour in the white wine and cook until it is absorbed by the rice.
5. Meanwhile, in a separate small pot, heat the seafood broth and add the saffron threads to infuse the flavor.
6. Slowly add the hot broth to the rice, one cup at a time, stirring frequently, and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more.
7. Return the chicken and chorizo to the pan and add the smoked paprika. Stir well.
8. Next, add the shrimp, mussels, and frozen peas. Cover the pan and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the seafood is cooked through. Make sure the mussels have opened.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
10. Serve the paella hot and enjoy the flavors of Spain!

Interesting Facts