Paella

Welcome to the world of Paella! A classic dish from Spain, Paella is a scrumptious concoction of rice, vegetables, and a variety of meats and seafood. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned home chef, this dish is guaranteed to bring a dash of Spanish flair to your dinner table. This article will guide you through a delightful, health-conscious Paella recipe that serves two.

Ingredients

* 1 cup of short-grain rice (200 grams)
* 2 cups of vegetable broth (500 ml)
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 cup of frozen peas (60 grams)
* 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes (120 grams)
* 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads (optional)
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil (15 ml)
* Salt to taste
* Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Time Required

* Preparation time: 15 minutes
* Cooking time: 30 minutes
* Total time: 45 minutes

Serves

Serves 2

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

* Calories: 365 kcal
* Protein: 7g
* Fat: 7g
* Carbohydrates: 70g
* Fiber: 4g
* Sugar: 7g

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cook until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Add the short-grain rice and stir well, allowing it to toast lightly in the pan for about 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and saffron threads (if using). Stir well to mix the ingredients.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
7. Add the frozen peas and stir well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8. Allow the Paella to simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
9. Remove from heat and let the Paella rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

1. Always use a wide, shallow pan to make Paella. This allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.
2. Short-grain rice is best for Paella as it absorbs liquid well while retaining its shape.
3. Adding the saffron threads is optional but highly recommended for an authentic taste.

Serving Suggestions

Paella is traditionally served straight from the pan. For a healthy, balanced meal, pair your Paella with a fresh green salad or some grilled vegetables. Enjoy your Paella warm for the best flavor.