Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

The Perfect Rice Recipe (Spanish Paella)

Login to Save
1.9M views👍 46K
J
Joshua Weissman
164 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Joshua Weissman to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipe Information

Recipe Available
Video-Specific Recipe

Spanish Paella

Cultural Context

Paella originated in the Valencia region of Spain, traditionally made with local ingredients like rabbit and snails. This dish reflects the agricultural heritage of the area, showcasing the importance of rice and saffron in Spanish cuisine. Today, paella has become a symbol of Spanish culture, enjoyed in variations across the globe, often featuring seafood or mixed meats, and is a staple at festive gatherings.

SpanishESmain
60 min
medium
6 servings
Servings4
1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 to 5 bay leaves
1 rough chopped onion
4.5 cups (1 liter) water
2 lobster tails
0.5 pound (227 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into half-inch cubes
2.5 cups (600 milliliters) chicken stock
3 cups (700 milliliters) shrimp stock
1 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons (23 grams) extra virgin olive oil
5 ounces (140 grams) finely cubed Spanish chorizo
1 yellow onion, very finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup (245 grams) canned diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
2.5 teaspoons (7 grams) smoked paprika
1 cup (240 milliliters) dry white wine
3 cups (570 grams) bomba rice
1 pound cleaned little neck clams
lemon cheeks
fresh flat leaf parsley

saffron

💰Cheaper: turmeric

Turmeric provides color but lacks saffron's unique flavor.

short-grain rice

💰Cheaper: long-grain rice

Long-grain rice is more affordable but changes the texture.

seafood

💰Cheaper: chicken

Chicken is a budget-friendly alternative to seafood.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is cost-effective and has a neutral flavor.

1

Prepare shrimp stock by placing shrimp shells, rough chopped onion, and bay leaves in a medium-sized sauce pot with water.

2

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.

3

Prepare lobster tails by cutting along the center top and ribbings, gently splitting open to expose the meat, and removing the vein.

4

In a separate pot, grease with spray oil and add chicken thighs. Sear for about 3 minutes until colored, then remove.

5

In the same pot, add chicken stock and shrimp stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to low and add saffron threads.

6

In a 15-inch paella pan, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, then add Spanish chorizo and cook for 1-2 minutes until crispy.

7

Add sofrito (finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic) to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

8

Stir in canned diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and smoked paprika, cooking until most liquid is gone, about 3 minutes.

9

Add dry white wine to the pan and let simmer until reduced, about 5-8 minutes.

10

Return chicken to the pan, stir until hot, then add bomba rice and toast for about 1 minute.

11

Slowly pour in hot saffron broth evenly around the pan, gently shake to even out the rice, and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.

12

Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, adding more water if needed if liquid evaporates too quickly.

13

Arrange split lobster tails, shrimp, and cleaned clams on top of the rice, nestling them in.

14

Cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until liquid is mostly gone and rice starts to smell toasted.

15

Cover tightly with foil and steam cook for 10-12 minutes.

16

If lobster is not fully cooked, place in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes.

17

Finish with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, scatter lemon cheeks, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

sautéingsimmering

Equipment Needed

15-inch paella panmedium-sized sauce potseparate pot

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Allergens

shellfish

Also Known As

Paella ValencianaSeafood Paella
Local Name: Paella

More Spanish Paella Videos

(13 videos)

Similar Spanish Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(22 videos)