Chicken Paella

 Ingredients: For 4 servings we need: - 500 g chicken meat, - 250 g rice, - 300 g wide green beans and large beans, - 2 grated tomatoes, - 1 l water (or chicken broth; what I used), - 50 ml oil, - spices: salt, pepper, saffron (food coloring), bay leaf powder (optional)

To make a delicious and aromatic paella, we start by preparing the chicken meat, which will be the base of this dish. We heat oil in a large skillet or deep pot, ensuring it is well heated before adding the chicken pieces. The golden color of the meat is a sign that it is beginning to brown perfectly, so we carefully turn it to ensure it browns evenly on all sides. This step is essential as it will give your dish a rich and deep flavor.

Once the meat has developed a nice crust, we add the beans, which will bring additional texture and nutrients. We let the beans sauté with the chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking the vegetables. At this point, we can think about the spices we want to use. A combination of salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and a pinch of saffron or turmeric for vibrant color will turn our dish into a true delicacy.

After adding the spices, we proceed to pour in the broth or water, making sure it covers the ingredients well. We let it simmer over medium heat, and when the vegetables are nearly cooked, we add the rice. It is important to add the rice in a rain-like fashion to ensure it distributes evenly and does not form clumps.

Once we have added the rice, we let everything simmer on low heat for exactly 18 minutes, during which we do not stir, as we want the rice to cook evenly without sticking. In the end, we check if the water has completely evaporated and if the rice is well cooked, with each grain separate.

Once the paella is ready, it is essential to let it rest for 10 minutes, covered with a lid. This resting period will allow the flavors to intensify and the rice to absorb the last moisture, resulting in a savory meal. After the 10 minutes, we can serve the paella with a slice of lemon and a few fresh parsley leaves for a colorful presentation and fresh aroma. This simple yet flavorful recipe will surely bring a touch of sunshine to every meal.

 Tags:  chicken meat rice tomatoes bean soup oil gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes recipes for children