If you're a seafood lover, you'll definitely enjoy this classic Spanish dish. Paella is a flavorful rice dish that originated in Valencia, Spain. It is traditionally made in a large, shallow pan and includes a variety of ingredients such as saffron, paprika, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb mussels, cleaned and debearded
- 1/2 lb squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb clams, cleaned
- 2 cups of Spanish rice
- 4 cups of chicken or seafood stock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are translucent. Add the red bell pepper and tomato and cook for a few more minutes until they are softened.
Add the rice, smoked paprika, and saffron threads to the pan and stir until the rice is coated in the oil and spices. Pour in the stock and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is about halfway cooked.
Add the mussels and clams to the pan, arranging them on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook until the mussels and clams begin to open, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the squid and shrimp to the pan, arranging them on top of the rice and other seafood. Cover the pan and cook until the shrimp are pink and the squid is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes more.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve the paella hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy!