Easy paella

Easy paella is a traditional Spanish dish that’s perfect for family dinners or get-togethers. This one-pan wonder combines succulent proteins, fragrant saffron, and perfectly cooked rice. Though often considered gourmet, with the right ingredients and technique, it’s simple to recreate this classic at home. Read on to discover how you can bring a taste of Spain to your table.

Ingredients for EASY PAELLA:

• Rice: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Chicken thighs: 2, boneless and skinless
• Shrimp: 8, peeled and deveined
• Saffron: a pinch
• Chicken broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Onion: 1, finely chopped
• Bell peppers: 2, assorted colors, sliced
• Tomatoes: 2, diced
• Garlic cloves: 3, minced
• Green peas: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
• Lemon: 1, wedges
• Fresh parsley: for garnish
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Total Preparation and Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Serves: 2

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Sugars: 5g

Cooking Instructions:

1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent.
3. Add the chicken thighs, cooking each side for about 5 minutes until slightly browned.
4. Stir in the rice, making sure each grain is coated with the olive oil.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add a pinch of saffron. This will give the easy paella its signature yellow color.
6. Once the broth begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and green peas.
7. Nestle the shrimp into the pan, pushing each piece slightly into the rice.
8. Cover the skillet and let the easy paella cook for about 25 minutes. Avoid stirring as this can make the rice sticky.
9. Check the rice by tasting. It should be al dente. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips:

• For a smoky flavor, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika.
• To make the dish spicier, add a chopped chili pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• While we’ve used chicken and shrimp, feel free to use other proteins like chorizo or mussels.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the easy paella straight from the skillet to retain its warmth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors. For those who prefer a tangy zest, squeeze the lemon wedges over the paella before digging in. A chilled glass of sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sangria would pair perfectly.

EASY PAELLA

Easy paella is a traditional Spanish dish that’s perfect for family dinners or get-togethers. This one-pan wonder combines succulent proteins, fragrant saffron, and perfectly cooked rice. Though often considered gourmet, with the right ingredients and technique, it’s simple to recreate this classic at home. Read on to discover how you can bring a taste of Spain to your table.

5 from 1 vote

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Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Nutritions

Nutrition Facts

EASY PAELLA

Amount per Serving

Calories

540

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

20

g

31

%

Sodium

 

900

mg

39

%

Carbohydrates

 

58

g

19

%

Sugar

 

5

g

6

%

Protein

 

35

g

70

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Ingredients

• Rice: 1 cup 240 ml
• Chicken thighs: 2 boneless and skinless
• Shrimp: 8 peeled and deveined
• Saffron: a pinch
• Chicken broth: 2 cups 480 ml
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons 30 ml
• Onion: 1 finely chopped
• Bell peppers: 2 assorted colors, sliced
• Tomatoes: 2 diced
• Garlic cloves: 3 minced
• Green peas: 1/2 cup 120 ml
• Lemon: 1 wedges
• Fresh parsley: for garnish
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

• Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent.
• Add the chicken thighs, cooking each side for about 5 minutes until slightly browned.
• Stir in the rice, making sure each grain is coated with the olive oil.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add a pinch of saffron. This will give the easy paella its signature yellow color.
• Once the broth begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and green peas.
• Nestle the shrimp into the pan, pushing each piece slightly into the rice.
• Cover the skillet and let the easy paella cook for about 25 minutes. Avoid stirring as this can make the rice sticky.
• Check the rice by tasting. It should be al dente. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

TIPS:

• For a smoky flavor, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika.
• To make the dish spicier, add a chopped chili pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• While we’ve used chicken and shrimp, feel free to use other proteins like chorizo or mussels.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

Serve the easy paella straight from the skillet to retain its warmth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors. For those who prefer a tangy zest, squeeze the lemon wedges over the paella before digging in. A chilled glass of sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sangria would pair perfectly.