Make Paella with These Quick, Simple Steps

Paella with seafood, along with rice—cook. Firstly, cook chopped garlic and onion a little, then from scratch to serve. Do follow these simple steps for a better experience.

Ingredients

For the Paella:

• 2 cups (400g) short-grain rice (like Arborio or Bomba)

• 3 cups (750ml) chicken broth

• 200g chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 200g shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)

• 1 cup green peas

• 2 tomatoes (chopped)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon saffron threads (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Before We Start

• Use a large, shallow pan for even cooking.

• If you don’t have saffron, substitute it with a pinch of turmeric for color.

• Avoid stirring the rice too much to achieve the traditional crispy bottom layer (socarrat).

Instructions

Cook the Ingredients

Step 1: Take a pan, add oil, and heat it over medium flame until warm.
Step 2: Chop onion and garlic, then add them into the pan until fragrance comes out.
Step 3: Wash chicken pieces thoroughly, add them into the pan, and cook until the color changes to brown.
Step 4: Add bell peppers and tomatoes, stir them, and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.

Cook the Rice

Step 5: Add rice into that cooking pan and stir evenly to coat flavors with.
Step 6: Add saffron (or turmeric), add smoked paprika, and mix it.
Step 7: In a pot full of chicken and spices, add salt and black pepper, then let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the Seafood and Vegetables

Step 8: After minutes of being done, add shrimp and green peas into it.
Step 9: Cook the whole pot until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender (cover it for 10 more minutes).
Step 10: Don’t stir it, as it won’t allow the layer to form crispy.

When you're done, take the dishes out, set them as desired, serve them hot, and enjoy!

Serve

Take the dishes out and spread your paella. Squeeze lemon onto it, along with green salad for better serving!

What Goes With Paella

The ideal most pairing with paella are:

• Tossed Salad – A fresh, light green salad with olive oil.

• Seafood or Meat Tapas – Small plates of seafood or meat tapas.

• Lemon Wedges – A squeeze of fresh lemon can brighten up the flavors of paella.

Recipes Related to Paella

How to Make Paella Crispy

• For the crispiness, DO NOT stir once the broth is absorbed.

• At the end of the last minute of cooking, increase the flame for 1-2 minutes.

• Don’t let it burn—just enough for crispiness.

Spanish-Style Paella

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice

• 500g mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid)

• 4 cups seafood broth

• 1 onion (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tomato (grated)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp saffron

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Steps:

1. Take a pan, heat oil, add onion, garlic, and chopped tomato. Cook for a couple of minutes.

2. Add rice and spices (paprika, and saffron or turmeric), then stir well.

3. Bring it to a boil for 15 minutes, then let it simmer.

4. Add seafood after it’s done and cook at the last minute (give 10 more minutes).

5. Let it rest, squeeze lemon, serve, and enjoy!

What Are the Main Ingredients of Paella?

• Rice – Short-grain rice like Bomba or Arborio (absorbs flavors well).

• Broth – Chicken, seafood, or vegetable broth for enhancing the taste.

• Protein – Chicken, seafood (shrimp, mussels, squid), or a mix.

• Vegetables – Onion, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, and peas.

• Olive Oil – Essential for cooking and flavor.

• Spices – Saffron (for color and aroma) and paprika (for smokiness).

• Lemon Wedges – Served on the side for a fresh touch.

Conclusion

Firstly, set the spices and ingredients. Take a pot, add some oil, and let it heat over medium flame. Then, add chopped onion and garlic, cook for a minute, and add washed chicken pieces. Cook until the color changes.

Next, add bell peppers and tomatoes, stir in spices, and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the washed rice to that same pan and coat it evenly in flavors. Add paprika powder, saffron (or turmeric), salt, and black pepper, then let it simmer for 10 minutes.

After cooking, add shrimp and green peas. Cook the dish until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is completely cooked. Give it 10 more minutes with the lid covered—don’t stir, as it will disturb the crispy bottom layer.

Turn off the flame, take your dishes out, serve immediately before it cools, and enjoy your own homemade paella!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• Easy Sushi Recipe – Step by Step

• Make Tacos – With Easy Steps

• Recipe of Pizza Margherita

• How to Make Pad Thai – Easy Recipe

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