Paella (original recipe)
Paella is a traditional Spanish recipe that originates from the Valencia region, considered a symbol of Iberian cuisine. This delicacy, with deep roots in local culture, has evolved over time, adapting to the ingredients and tastes of each region. Although the original version of paella contains ingredients such as shrimp, bell pepper, peas, and saffron, there are numerous variations that include different types of meat, fish, and vegetables, each bringing a touch of uniqueness.
To prepare an authentic paella, you will need the following ingredients: 400 g of bomba rice (a special type of rice for paella), 200 g of peeled shrimp, 150 g of fresh or frozen peas, 1 red bell pepper and 1 green, 1 medium onion, 2-3 cloves of garlic, 1 liter of fish or chicken broth, a pinch of saffron, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, as well as lemon for serving.
The first step in preparing paella is to prepare the ingredients. Chop the onion and peppers into small cubes, and you can finely chop the garlic. In a large pan, ideally a special paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing them until they become translucent. Then, add the peppers and continue to sauté the mixture for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Once the vegetables are ready, add the rice to the pan. Stir well so that the rice grains soak up the flavor of the oil and vegetables. Add the fish or chicken broth, in which you have dissolved the saffron, and let everything boil. Once the liquid starts to boil, reduce the heat and let the paella simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes without stirring. This step is essential to achieve that delicious crust known as "socarrat," which forms at the bottom of the rice.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp and peas to cook evenly. Once the paella is ready, let it rest covered with a clean towel for about 5-10 minutes. This pause helps to intensify the flavors. Serve the paella hot, drizzled with freshly squeezed lemon juice, and those who enjoy it will delight in an explosion of flavors, a perfect combination of the sea and land of Spain. This dish is not just a meal but a culinary experience that brings together tradition, family, and friendship.
Paella is a typical Spanish dish that originated in its original form from the Valencia region. There are many variations of this culinary preparation, but the original recipe is with shrimp. If you arrive in Spain and want to serve paella, it is recommended to start either with the one with shrimp or the one with chicken, but never try a paella mixed with seafood and chicken or pork for the first time. Soak the saffron in 4 tablespoons of warm water. Wash the rice well and drain it. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add the rice and pour over 1 liter of boiling water, add the saffron and stir. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat until the rice is almost ready. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add more water if it reduces too much. Add the wine and the cleaned shrimp and mussels and let it simmer covered for another 5-7 minutes. Add the green peas (if raw, they need to be boiled a little beforehand) and garnish with herbs. Paella is served hot.
Ingredients: 300g arborio rice, 100g cleaned shrimp, 200g mussels, 50ml white wine, 2 bell peppers (one green and one red), 1 finely chopped onion, 4 cloves of green peas, saffron (a few strands), 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Tags: paella rice recipes shrimp recipes
