Maria's Paella

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp saffron threads
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb mussels
• 1/2 lb clams
• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 2 lemons, sliced

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and cook until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in chicken broth, paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Stir in bell pepper, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the mussels and clams have opened.
7. Stir in peas and lemon slices and cook for 2 minutes.
8. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Paella is Spain's national dish.
• The name "paella" comes from the Latin word "patella," which means "pan."
• Paella is traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan called a paellera.
• Paella is usually served with a side of aioli.