You can make a delicious, authentic Paella–the most popular dish of Spain–in your own kitchen with simple ingredients like rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood. If you love cooking International food, you will fall in love with this comforting dish!
If you love Spanish food, don’t miss my other popular recipes like Torijas and Tortilla de Patatas.
My goal with this paella recipe was to use the tutelage I received while living in Madrid to create a traditional Spanish paella that anyone can make (and without special equipment, like a paella pan). After lots of trial and error, I am so excited to share everything I know and have learned about making Paella, as authentically and practically for the home cook, as possible.
Spanish Paella
You can make a delicious, authentic Paella–the most popular dish of Spain–in your own kitchen with simple ingredients like rice, saffron, vegetables, chicken, and seafood.
Prep: 20min
Total: 60min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 535 kcal, Carbohydrate 59 g, Protein 37 g, Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 260 mg, Sodium 1159 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive Oil ((Spanish EVOO if you have it))
- 1 Onion (, diced)
- 1 bell pepper (, diced (I like to use ½ red and ½ green))
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 3 roma tomatoes (, very finely diced (or 8 oz. tomato sauce))
- Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon paprika (, sweet or smoked)
- 1 pinch saffron threads*
- Salt and pepper
- ¼ cup white wine
- 4 boneless , skinless chicken thighs (, cut into pieces*)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley (chopped, divided)
- 2 cups Spanish Rice*
- 5 cups Chicken Broth*
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- ½ lb Jumbo Shrimp or prawns (, about 12 – peeled, tail on)
- 1/2 lb Mussels ((about 10-12), cleaned properly (beards off))
- 8 oz calamari rings
- Lemons (, for garnish)
Instruction:
- *Please note, this is my version of Paella Mixta I learned to make while living in Madrid, Spain. I’ve simplified the recipe as best I could for anyone to be able to make without a special pan or equipment. There are MANY variations to Paella so please be respectful that my authentic recipe may be different from yours!
- Add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell peppers and garlic and cook until onion is translucent. Add chopped tomato, bay leaf, paprika, saffron salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add white wine and cook for 10 minutes. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Add chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and rice to the pot. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour the broth slowly all around the pan and jiggle the pan to get the rice into an even layer. (Do not stir the mixture going forward!).
- Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low. Give the pan a gentle shake back and forth just once or twice during cooking. (We don’t ever stir the rice, so that a crispy crust forms at the bottom, called a socarrat).
- Cook for about 15-18 minutes (uncovered), then nestle the shrimp, mussels and calamari into the mixture, sprinkle peas on top and continue to cook (without stirring) for about 5 more minutes. Watch for most of the liquid to be absorbed and the rice at the top nearly tender. (If for some reason your rice is still not cooked, add ¼ cup more water or broth and continue cooking).
- Remove pan from heat and cover pan with a lid or tinfoil. Place a kitchen towel over the lid and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve.
The Perfect Rice Recipe (Spanish Paella)
FAQ
What is the secret to a good paella?
What are the three main types of paella?
What is traditionally served with paella?
- The Best Sides For Paella.
- Fried Rice.
- Quick French Bread.
- Broccolini Salad.
- Spanish Mussels.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp.
- Caesar Salad with Homemade Caesar Dressing (Without Anchovies)
- Mangu (Mashed Plantains)
What is the most important spice in paella?
