Royal Paella

Royal Paella

Paella is an iconic dish often associated with moments of celebration and conviviality. Whether served at a family table or at a party with friends, this recipe harmoniously blends the flavors of the sea with those of the land. Today, I will guide you step by step in making a Royal Paella, a delicious variation that combines seafood with chicken thighs and fish.

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Servings: 3

Ingredients:
- 200 grams of rice (preferably bomba or arborio rice)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 10-15 shrimp, peeled
- 300 grams of cleaned squid rings
- 2 pieces of fish (recommended sea bass fillets)
- 300-400 grams of cleaned clams
- A handful of green beans, finely chopped
- Half a red bell pepper, diced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 300 ml of hot chicken broth
- Turmeric or saffron, for color and flavor
- Special paella spices (sweet paprika, white pepper, star anise, fennel)

Making the Royal Paella:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the clams, letting them soak in salted water for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to remove sand and impurities. Also, prepare the seafood on one platter and the chicken on another, so you can add each ingredient in the necessary order.

2. Cooking the chicken thighs: In a wok or large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and the finely chopped green beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the meat is lightly browned. This step will add a delicious flavor to the dish.

3. Adding the rice: Once the chicken thighs are browned, add the rice. Stir well to combine it with the oil and juices from the meat. Season with turmeric and other paella spices, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices will give the dish a distinct flavor and vibrant color.

4. Adding the broth: Pour 100 ml of hot chicken broth into the wok. Let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally. It is important to add the broth gradually to avoid burning the rice. After 10 minutes, add the diced bell pepper and squid rings.

5. Preparing the squid: If you haven't cooked the squid rings beforehand, you can boil them separately for 15 minutes with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of lemon juice. This will enhance the flavor and make the meat more tender.

6. Adding the shrimp: After another 5 minutes, add the shrimp and let them cook for 5 minutes. This is the time to also add the clams along with the pieces of fish. Make sure not to leave them on the heat too long, as seafood cooks very quickly and can lose its flavor.

7. Finishing the dish: Carefully mix the ingredients to combine them, then let them simmer on low heat until the water has evaporated, and the rice is cooked. Finally, adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or spices if necessary.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the royal paella directly from the wok, garnished with lemon slices and a few fresh parsley leaves. This not only looks appetizing but also enhances the aroma of the dish. You can accompany this meal with a fresh green salad and a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the seafood.

Interesting variations:
If you want to experiment with this recipe, you can replace the chicken thighs with rabbit meat or add octopus for a unique flavor. You can also use whole grain rice for a healthier option, although it will require a longer cooking time.

Nutritional benefits:
Royal paella is not only delicious but also nutritious. Seafood is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. A serving of paella contains approximately 500 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making it a good choice for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use regular rice instead of bomba rice?
Yes, but the result will not be as good, as bomba rice absorbs liquid better and remains less sticky.

- How can I store the paella to eat later?
You can store the paella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the oven at low temperatures.

- What other seafood can I add?
You can experiment with mussels, large shrimp, or even lobsters, depending on your preferences and ingredient availability.

With this Royal Paella recipe, you will bring a touch of feast into your life and that of your loved ones. Don't hesitate to put your personal stamp on the dish, exploring various combinations and adjusting the spices to your taste! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: for 3 servings: 200 grams of rice (you can add more, but I prefer to have more seafood than rice), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 chicken thighs, 10-15 shrimp, 300 grams of squid rings, 2 pieces of fish, I used 2 pieces of monkfish fillet this time, 300-400 grams of clams, a handful of green beans, half a red bell pepper diced, salt, pepper, 300 ml of chicken broth, turmeric or saffron, and special spices for paella (they contain white pepper, paprika, saffron, anise, fennel)

 Tags:  rice chicken thighs over shells green beans