Picante Paella
A vibrant, flavorful paella packed with sausage, chicken, shrimp, and spicy picante sauce, ideal for gatherings and lovers of bold, comforting rice dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 c. picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. powdered saffron or turmeric ⓘ
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen peas ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut sausage into 1/2-inch pieces and discard casing.
- Cook sausage, onion, and garlic in oil in a skillet until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add chicken broth, picante sauce, rice, and saffron to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in chicken pieces.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp and peas.
- Cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the mild Italian sausage with chorizo for added flavor. If saffron is unavailable, turmeric is a suitable alternative, although the flavor will differ slightly. Ensure the shrimp are cooked just until pink to avoid overcooking, similar to techniques used in Prawns A La Cognac.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Picante Paella with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A chilled glass of white wine complements this dish beautifully. For a delightful twist, consider pairing it with Chicken Kabobs Hawaiian for a festive meal or serving alongside a side of rice or quinoa for a heartier option.
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 to maintain moisture and heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This method helps to revitalize the flavors and texture of the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picante Paella contains roughly 881 calories, with 19g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 926mg per serving (40% 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 different types of meat in this paella?
Absolutely! You can customize the protein by using other meats like diced pork or even seafood, such as scallops or mussels. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Using various proteins can enhance the dish's complexity, much like the variety found in Jambalaya Mix.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and chicken. Substitute with mushrooms and bell peppers for added texture and flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This adaptation maintains the essence of the dish while catering to vegetarian diets.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare in advance, you can cook the paella up to the point of adding shrimp and peas, then cool it and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and add shrimp and peas, cooking until they are warmed through. This method allows for convenient meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
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).