Paella A La Caiolla
A vibrant Spanish seafood paella featuring lobster, shrimp, mussels, and chicken, infused with saffron and rich flavors, perfect for seafood lovers and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chopped ham ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pork
- 1 pound live lobster
- 12 peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 6 mussels (optional) ⓘ
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 pounds chicken, cut into small pieces ⓘ
- 4 crab claws ⓘ
- 12 clams ⓘ
- 2 cups rice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 4 tomatoes, sliced
- 4 pimentos, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the lobster's claws from the body and cut the body into pieces. Peel the raw shrimp.
- Clean the clams, mussels, and crab claws.
- Put 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan.
- Sauté chicken, ham, and pork over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside; keep covered.
- In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and cook garlic until fragrant.
- Add rice and saffron, stirring to coat the grains.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the cooked chicken, ham, pork, lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams, crab claws, peas, tomatoes, and pimentos.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and seafood is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chorizo to the mix. If lobster isn't available, substitute with crab or additional shrimp. Fresh seafood is ideal, but frozen options work well too. Ensure the rice is evenly coated with the saffron for a vibrant color and taste. Stirring gently prevents breaking the grains, maintaining a perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella hot, garnished with lemon wedges to enhance the flavors. Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the broth. This dish is perfect for gatherings and special occasions, making it a delightful centerpiece alongside other chicken recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rice rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paella A La Caiolla contains roughly 1941 calories, with 48g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), iron (103% of the Daily Value), and protein (96% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this paella ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the paella in advance. Cook it completely, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth to maintain moisture.
What type of rice is best for paella?
Short-grain rice, like Bomba or Arborio, is ideal for paella as it absorbs liquid well and remains firm. Avoid long-grain rice, as it may not yield the desired texture.
Is it necessary to use saffron?
While saffron is traditional for its unique flavor and color, you can substitute with turmeric for a similar hue and a more economical option. However, the flavor will differ slightly.
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).