Seafood paella recipe; learn how to make it

Paella is an iconic dish of Spanish cuisine, known worldwide for its unique combination of flavors and ingredients. Originating in the Valencia region, paella traditionally includes seafood as well as other ingredients such as rice, saffron, peppers and peas. Preparing an authentic seafood paella at home can seem challenging, but with the right recipe and a few tips, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious dish worthy of a Spanish chef. In this blogpost, we'll share a step-by-step recipe to help you master the art of making seafood paella.

Seafood Paella recipe

Paella is a versatile dish that can be adapted in many ways, depending on the ingredients available and personal preferences. However, the classic seafood version is one of the most popular, thanks to its rich marine flavors and the comforting texture of the rice.

Ingredients needed

To prepare a delicious seafood paella, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups paella rice (or long grain rice)
• 500g of assorted seafood (prawns, squid, mussels, scallops, etc.)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 red bell bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 yellow bell bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 4 cups of fish stock or vegetable stock
• Saffron or turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon cut into quarters to serve

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it's important to prepare all the ingredients. Clean the seafood, removing any skins or dirt. Chop the onion, garlic, tomatoes and peppers. Make sure all the ingredients are ready and organized before turning on the stove.

Step 2: Preparing the Paella

In a paellera (or large, shallow frying pan), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Adding the Vegetables

Add the peppers cut into strips to the paellera and sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they fall apart and release their juices.

Step 4: Adding the Rice and Saffron

Add the rice to the paellera and stir well to coat it with the oil and vegetable juices. Then add the saffron or turmeric powder, which will give the paella its characteristic color and unique taste. Stir again to distribute the saffron evenly over the rice.

Step 5: Adding the Broth

Pour the fish stock or vegetable stock into the paellera, completely covering the rice and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the rice cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 6: Adding the seafood

When the rice is almost ready, add the seafood to the paellera, distributing it evenly over the surface of the rice. Cover the paellera with a lid and cook for a few more minutes, until the seafood is cooked and the rice is completely soft.

Step 7: Finishing and Serving

When the paella is ready, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a few slices of lemon and serve hot, accompanied by a fresh green salad and a good white wine.

Tips and tricks

Use a traditional paellera for best results, but if you don't have one, a large, shallow frying pan will also work.

Don't stir the rice too much while it's cooking, as this can cause it to become soggy. Stir only occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the paellera.

Try adding other ingredients, such as scallops, mussels or octopus, for an even more extravagant and tasty paella.

Make sure you use good quality stock to flavor the rice. If you don't have homemade stock, you can use fish stock or ready-made vegetable stock.

With this recipe and a few useful tips, you'll be ready to prepare a seafood paella worthy of a true Spanish chef. So get your friends and family together and enjoy this Spanish classic in your own home. ¡Buen provecho!

See also: Recipes with fish: 10 delicious options to spice up your meals

April 27th, 2024