Spanish Seafood Paella: A Coastal Celebration in a Pan - Wednesday, Week 22

Our Mediterranean culinary journey takes us to the sun-drenched shores of Spain on this wonderful Wednesday. Today, we're cooking up a flavorful Seafood Paella, a hallmark of Spanish cuisine. Bursting with vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas, this dish combines succulent seafood, fragrant saffron-infused rice, and a plethora of vegetables.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) mixed seafood (like shrimp, mussels, and squid)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups (300g) short-grain Spanish rice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups (700ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Note: Measurements provided in U.S. and metric units.

Instructions

1. Season the seafood with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seafood and cook until just opaque, about 3 minutes. Remove the seafood from the pan and set aside.

2. In the same pan, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the garlic, rice, paprika, and saffron. Stir until the rice is well-coated with the oil and spices. Cook for about 2 minutes.

4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and wine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook, without stirring, until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15 minutes.

5. Add the peas and the cooked seafood to the pan, nestling them into the rice. Cook, without stirring, for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is al dente and the seafood is heated through.

6. Remove the pan from the heat and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

7. Serve the paella straight from the pan, with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Wine Pairing

To complement the rich flavors of Seafood Paella, we recommend a glass of Albariño. This crisp, aromatic white wine hails from the Galicia region of Spain and pairs beautifully with the succulent seafood in this dish.