Spanish Paella

If you’re looking for a dish that brings a taste of Spain to your table, then Spanish Paella is just what you need! This vibrant and colorful dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors. I absolutely love how it combines tender chicken, fresh seafood, and aromatic spices into one beautiful pan. It’s perfect for family gatherings or even a cozy weeknight dinner.

What makes my version of Spanish Paella special is that it captures the essence of traditional recipes while being approachable for everyone. With just a few simple ingredients and some love, you can create a meal that will impress your friends and family. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You don’t need fancy equipment or culinary skills—just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of saffron, spices, and fresh ingredients creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the colorful presentation and fun seafood shapes; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this dish fits right in.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prep some ingredients in advance, making it easy to whip up when you’re ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Spanish Paella is part of the fun! You’ll find that these simple, wholesome items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local store. Let’s get started!

For the Base:

• 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil (Spanish EVOO if you have it)
• 1 Onion (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced; I like to use ½ red and ½ green)
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 3 roma tomatoes (very finely diced or 8 oz. tomato sauce)
• Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• Salt and pepper

For the Protein:

• ¼ cup white grape juice
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into pieces)
• ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (divided)
• 2 cups Spanish Rice

For Cooking:

• 5 cups Chicken Broth
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

For Toppings:

• ½ lb Jumbo Shrimp or prawns (about 12 – peeled, tail on)
• 1/2 lb Mussels (about 10–12, cleaned properly)
• 8 oz calamari rings
• Lemons (for garnish)

Variations

One of the best parts about cooking is adding your twist! This Spanish Paella recipe is flexible and can easily be adapted to suit your tastes. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: If seafood isn’t your thing, feel free to use all chicken or even add some firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Add seasonal veggies: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, artichokes, or asparagus to brighten up the dish.
• Change up the grains: While Spanish rice is traditional, you can try using quinoa or brown rice for a different texture.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

How to Make Spanish Paella

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by adding olive oil to your skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent—this step enhances their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful foundation for your paella.

Step 2: Build Flavor

Next, add in those finely diced tomatoes along with bay leaf, paprika, saffron threads, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about five minutes. Then pour in the white grape juice—this adds depth and balances out the savory flavors!

Step 3: Add Chicken and Rice

It’s time to introduce our chicken pieces along with two tablespoons of parsley and rice into the mix. Give everything one minute on the heat; this helps toast the rice slightly before we add our broth.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Now comes an important step! Slowly pour in your chicken broth around the pan while giving it a gentle jiggle to create an even layer of rice. Remember—not stirring from now on helps create that delicious crust at the bottom called socarrat!

Step 5: Cook Low & Slow

Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to medium-low. Just give that pan a gentle shake back and forth once or twice while cooking—this keeps things even without disturbing that precious rice!

Step 6: Add Seafood

After about 15–18 minutes uncovered, nestle in those lovely shrimp, mussels, and calamari rings into your paella mix. Sprinkle peas on top too! Cook without stirring for about five more minutes until most liquid is absorbed.

Step 7: Resting Time

Once cooked perfectly, remove from heat! Cover your pan with either a lid or tinfoil and place a kitchen towel over it—this resting period allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Finally! Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving. Gather around with friends or family as you dig into this delectable Spanish Paella—it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Spanish Paella

Making the perfect Spanish paella is all about technique and a little love! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time.

• Use the Right Rice: Select Spanish rice varieties like Bomba or Calasparra, as they absorb liquid well and remain firm, giving your paella the ideal texture.

• Don’t Stir After Adding Broth: Once you pour in the broth, resist the urge to stir! This helps form the socarrat, that delicious crispy layer at the bottom of the pan that adds flavor and texture.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, allowing the paella to rest covered for about 10 minutes allows flavors to meld and gives you a more cohesive dish.

• Adjust Liquid Carefully: If your rice isn’t quite tender at the end of cooking, add a bit more broth or water incrementally. This ensures you don’t end up with mushy rice.

• Experiment with Add-ins: While the recipe includes shrimp, mussels, and calamari, feel free to get creative with other seafood or seasonal veggies—just remember not to overload it!

How to Serve Spanish Paella

Serving paella is just as important as making it; a vibrant presentation makes this dish even more enticing! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the paella.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their portions—this brightens up the dish beautifully!

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of paella without overpowering it.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining broth on your plate; it’s an easy crowd-pleaser!
• Spanish Tortilla: This traditional potato omelet can be served warm or cold and offers a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with paella’s seafood flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add an extra layer of flavor and color to your meal. Try bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus for a colorful array.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your homemade Spanish paella. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spanish Paella is not only a delightful dish to serve fresh but also perfect for meal prep. It stores well, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the paella to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the paella completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking.
• Heat until warmed through and serve immediately.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Spanish Paella!

What makes Spanish Paella special?

Spanish Paella is unique due to its vibrant flavors and its ability to bring people together during meals. The combination of saffron, seafood, and chicken creates a harmonious dish that’s both comforting and celebratory.

Can I make Spanish Paella without seafood?

Absolutely! You can create a delicious vegetarian version of Spanish Paella by substituting seafood with additional vegetables like artichokes, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just ensure you still use rich vegetable broth for flavor.

How do I achieve the perfect socarrat in my Spanish Paella?

To achieve socarrat, or that crispy bottom layer of rice, avoid stirring once you add the broth. Cook uncovered on low heat and allow it to rest after cooking. This will help develop that beautiful crust!

What type of rice is best for Spanish Paella?

The best rice for Spanish Paella is short-grain rice such as Bomba or Calasparra rice. These varieties absorb more liquid without becoming mushy, ensuring your paella has the right texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this authentic Spanish Paella as much as I do! It’s a dish filled with flavor, tradition, and love—perfect for sharing with friends and family. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the process and creating wonderful memories around the table. Happy cooking!