Paella is one of the most beloved dishes globally, celebrated for its diversity and variety of recipes. Originating from Spain, this rice-based meal has become a must-try for many tourists who travel to Spain to experience its authentic flavors. Paella can be made in numerous ways, featuring ingredients like meat, chicken, or seafood, and today we’ll explore several easy and delicious methods to prepare it.
Paella With Seafood
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain basmati rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 500g calamari, cut into rings
- 500g fish fillet, chopped
- 500g shrimp, cleaned and peeled
- 1 cup peas and carrots
- 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup colorful sweet peppers, diced
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon saffron
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- ½ tablespoon dried cilantro
- ½ tablespoon turmeric
- ½ tablespoon ground cardamom
- Salt (to taste)
- 8 tablespoons olive oil
instructions :
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, spices, and salt. Stir until the onions are wilted.
- Add the peas, carrots, colorful peppers, and tomatoes. Stir well, then add the calamari and cook for an additional two minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In another pan, heat the remaining olive oil and add the fish fillet. Cook until fully done.
- Combine the cooked fish with the vegetable and calamari mixture. Add the rice and stir thoroughly. Then, gently fold in the shrimp.
- Cover the pan and let it cook until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Once ready, transfer the paella to a serving dish and enjoy!
Paella Chicken
Ingredients
- 250 grams fish fillet
- 500 grams mixed seafood
- 250 grams chicken breast
- 1 cup colorful bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1.5 cups brown rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons saffron
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
instructions :
- Cook the Fish: Place the fish fillet in a non-stick tray and bake in the oven until fully cooked.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Cook the Chicken: Divide the sautéed vegetables into two portions. Keep one portion in the pot and add the chopped chicken. Cook until you feel the chicken is thouroughly cooked.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the brown rice, peas, mixed seafood, chicken broth, salt, white pepper, and saffron to the pot. Simmer until the rice and other ingredients are cooked through.
- Make Tomato Sauce: In a separate pan, add the remaining sautéed vegetables along with the tomato sauce and water. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Serve: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish and top with the cooked seafood. Drizzle the tomato sauce over the dish before serving. Enjoy!
Spanish Gaspacho Sauce
Ingredients
- 6 tomatoes
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
instructions:
- start by blending the six ripe tomatoes with the chopped red onion, celery sticks, red pepper, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, olive oil, sugar, and lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed.
This vibrant, chilled soup is perfect as a light appetizer or a cooling dish on a warm day, showcasing the fresh tastes of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy your homemade gazpacho as a deliciously healthy option!