Paella with chicken and pork
Paella with chicken and pork - A delicacy from the heart of the kitchen
Paella is an iconic dish, a true celebration of flavors, combining fresh ingredients with traditional cooking techniques. Originating from coastal regions, this recipe has evolved over time, being adapted and reinterpreted in numerous variations, but the essence remains the same: a social dish, enjoyed in the company of loved ones. Today, I will present to you how to prepare a delicious paella with chicken and pork that will bring joy to your table.
Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1500 ml water
- 1200 g rice (ideal for paella, such as Arborio or Bomba)
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 600 g pork (lean, diced)
- 250 g mixed green beans and white beans
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 7 cloves of garlic (whole, peeled)
- 130 ml olive oil (or sunflower oil, depending on preference)
- 3 cubes of Knorr (or another type of concentrated broth)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Pepper (to taste)
- Saffron (approximately 0.5 g, or enough to color the rice)
Cooking technique:
1. Preparing the fire: Start by lighting a wood fire. It is important to mention that using wood gives a special smoky flavor to the dish. Make sure you have a special support for the paella pan so that you can place it evenly over the flame.
2. Heating the oil: Place the pan over the fire and add the oil. Let the oil heat well, but do not let it smoke. This is a crucial step to achieve an even browning of the meat.
3. Browning the meat: Add the chicken drumsticks and diced pork to the pan. Sprinkle salt over the meat and stir to ensure it browns evenly. It is essential not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches.
4. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the diced bell pepper, green beans, and white beans. At this stage, also add the whole (peeled) cloves of garlic to allow them to release their aroma during cooking. Let the vegetables brown slightly, stirring occasionally.
5. Cooking the rice: After the vegetables have softened, add the water. It’s time to add the Knorr cubes, rice, pepper, and saffron, which will color the rice a golden hue. Stir well and let it simmer over medium heat until the water reduces and the rice is cooked. This process should take about 20-25 minutes.
6. Resting: After the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let the paella cool for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to combine and become more intense.
7. Serving: Paella is served hot, straight from the pan, alongside a fresh salad or a spicy mayonnaise. You can also add a slice of lemon for a tangy flavor that will complement the dish.
Useful tips for a perfect paella:
- Choose the right pan: A paella pan is essential for achieving even heat distribution. If you don’t have one, use a wide pan with low edges.
- Patience: Do not stir the rice during cooking after you have added the water. This allows for the formation of the delicious crust at the bottom of the pan, known as "socarrat."
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat (such as rabbit or seafood) or vegetables (peas, tomatoes) to customize the paella to your preferences.
Nutritional benefits:
This paella contains quality protein from the chicken and pork, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the rice, making it a balanced and filling meal. Saffron, used in moderation, not only gives a beautiful color to the rice but also has antioxidant properties.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use regular rice? While it is recommended to use rice specifically for paella, in an emergency, you can use regular rice, but the texture will not be the same.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version? You can replace the meat with tofu or seitan and add more vegetables, such as zucchini and eggplant.
- What can I serve with paella? A salad of tomatoes and onions, or an alioli sauce pairs perfectly with paella.
So now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This paella with chicken and pork will not only impress everyone who tastes it but will also create unforgettable moments around the table. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1500 ml water 1200 g rice 10 chicken drumsticks 600 g lean pork 250 g mix of green beans with white beans 130 ml oil 3 Knorr cubes 1 red bell pepper 7 cloves of garlic 2 teaspoons salt pepper saffron
