Paella(From The World'S 100 Best Recipes Roland Goock)
A vibrant Spanish rice dish packed with seafood, pork, and vegetables, featuring rich saffron flavors and hearty ingredients perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 pound pork ⓘ
- 1 chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 pound ham strips ⓘ
- salt and pepper
- 4 cups broth or bouillon ⓘ
- 2 ounces canned mushrooms ⓘ
- cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 pinches saffron ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups uncooked rice ⓘ
- 2 green pepper strips ⓘ
- 4 tomatoes, peeled and cut ⓘ
- 1 cup green peas ⓘ
- 1 cup green beans ⓘ
- 1 small can mussels ⓘ
- 1/4 pound shrimp, cooled ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add pork and chicken; cook for 15 minutes or until chicken is browned on all sides.
- Add chopped onions, crushed garlic, and ham strips; cook for 5 minutes more.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add broth mixed with saffron and bay leaf; bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 30 minutes, then remove bay leaf.
- Add uncooked rice, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in canned mushrooms, green peas, green beans, peeled tomatoes, green pepper strips, and drained mussels and cooled shrimp before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken and pork in olive oil, garlic, and saffron for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have saffron, turmeric can be used as a substitute for color. Feel free to swap out proteins; for instance, use chorizo instead of ham for a spicy kick, or incorporate shellfish like clams for a seafood twist similar to Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve paella hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a zesty finish. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light Mediterranean dish like Chicken In Lemon Sauce or a refreshing Mushroom-Eggplant Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover paella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paella(From The World'S 100 Best Recipes Roland Goock) contains roughly 2274 calories, with 48g protein, 280g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), iron (160% of the Daily Value), and protein (97% of the Daily Value). 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 paella ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the paella a few hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point before adding the seafood and vegetables. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the remaining ingredients for a fresh finish.
What type of rice is best for paella?
Short-grain rice, such as Bomba or Arborio, is ideal for paella as it absorbs liquid without becoming mushy. This rice helps achieve the desired texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Avoid long-grain rice, as it doesn’t absorb flavors as well.
Can I add more vegetables to the paella?
Absolutely! Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, artichokes, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly, as some vegetables may require longer to cook than others. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste.
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).