lomiloml
Culinary Explorer
I recently made this amazing Seafood Paella, and it was a hit! The combination of fresh seafood, vibrant saffron, and perfectly cooked rice made it an unforgettable meal. Here’s how you can recreate it at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound mussels, cleaned
- 1 pound clams, cleaned
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the saffron: Soak the saffron threads in a small amount of warm water for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the base: In a large paella pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, making sure each grain is coated in oil. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the tomatoes and saffron: Add the diced tomatoes, saffron (with its soaking water), and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the liquids: Add the seafood stock and white wine. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. Do not stir the rice; this helps form a nice crust at the bottom.
- Add the seafood: Arrange the shrimp, mussels, and clams on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels and clams have opened.
- Finish and serve: Remove the paella from heat. Sprinkle with frozen peas, fresh parsley, and squeeze lemon juice over the top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.