What is Paella? Paella is a classic Spanish rice dish cooked with rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood.
A very traditional paella, garnished with chorizo, chicken, peas, squid, mussels, and shrimp. Chorizo is a sausage spiced with garlic and chili powder; remove the casing before cooking. A paella pan is recommended.
I found this Spanish version of Biryani. Both refer to the frying involved, one of the rice, meat, and other ingredients. In my opinion, both are flavorful one-pot dishes perfect for a party or just a relaxing weekend meal.
So I incorporate some of the Indian spices in this paella dish to make it more like my taste, and it turns out great. It has the basic paella flavors and ingredients. At the same time, it has chillis and some of my favorite spices.
PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES COOK TIME: 30 to 40 MINUTES SERVINGS: 4 to 6
Ingredients :
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 chopped tomatoes
2 cups uncooked medium grain rice
1 teaspoon dry thyme
2 fresh bay leaves
2 pinches saffron
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups of water
1 teaspoon salt or add according to your taste
1/2 teaspoon crushed ground black pepper
1 cup frozen green peas
1cup sausage cut into slice
1 cup Lobster meat cubed
15 cleaned large prawns
6 ounces of diced fish fillet
35 to 40 cleaned and opened mussels
1/2 cup chopped parsley
Few slices of lemons for garnish
Methods:
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy bottom pan or paella pan over medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and cook for five mins until the onion is translucent.
Then add tomatoes, paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, turmeric powder, and mix well.
Next, add rice and keep stirring, to coat the rice with oil and spices for about 3 minutes.
Stir in saffron threads, bay leaf, thyme, chicken broth, water, wine, salt, and pepper. Put the lid on and bring it to a boil.
Then add all kinds of seafood and chopped sausages and stir in.
After 5 mins add the green peas and mix well.
Put the lid back on and cook for 10 more mins on medium heat or let the rice soak all the liquid and cook.
Take the lid off and check the rice. If it's done, add the parsley.
Enjoy the one-pot meal Spanish paella with a twist of added Indian spices.