California Paella
A vibrant fusion of flavors featuring shrimp, avocado, tomato, and raisins, complemented by fragrant rice and buttery onion-garlic base, perfect for a lively, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in butter until translucent in a medium-sized pot.
- Stir in chicken broth and add water to make 2 cups (3 ounces).
- Add rice and seasoning packet from the rice pilaf.
- Dump and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer.
- Ten minutes before the rice is ready, add the shrimp and cover again.
- When the shrimp and rice are cooked, add the avocado, tomato, and raisins (do not cook these ingredients).
- Serve immediately with salad and French or Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic before cooking. If you don’t have rice pilaf, substitute with regular long-grain rice and add your own seasonings. You can also replace shrimp with chicken or a combination of seafood for a heartier dish. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the freshness of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
California Paella pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and crusty French or Italian bread. Consider adding a citrus vinaigrette to the salad for a zesty contrast. You might also serve it alongside a chilled white wine or a light beer for a refreshing complement. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can overcook the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Paella contains roughly 877 calories, with 14g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 770mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish. Quick thawing can be done by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help retain their texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can be used as a substitute. However, using broth will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. If using water, consider adding additional seasonings to compensate for the lack of broth flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it's best to serve California Paella fresh, you can prepare the rice and shrimp mixture ahead of time and store it separately. Just reheat gently before adding the avocado, tomato, and raisins just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).