Authentic Portuguese Seafood Paella
This Authentic Portuguese Seafood Paella is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot meal that showcases the best of coastal Portuguese cuisine. Combining tender chicken thighs, succulent shrimp, and savory chourico with a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish is bursting with a rich blend of flavors and textures. The addition of saffron, known as the 'golden spice', brings an aromatic depth that is essential for an authentic paella experience. Perfect for family gatherings or a special celebration, this hearty dish is sure to impress your guests while providing warmth and comfort.
6
Servings
180
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken thighs
6 (about 1 1/2 lbs, seasoned with rosemary, salt, and pepper)
fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon (chopped or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (divided)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
canola oil
2 teaspoons (for frying)
Portuguese chourico
1 link (sliced into rounds)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
arborio rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
plum tomato
1/2 cup (diced)
sweet paprika
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
saffron thread
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
chicken broth
3 cups (for cooking)
large shrimp
3/4 lb (peeled and deveined)
asparagus
1 cup (cut diagonally)
frozen peas
1/2 cup (thawed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Season the chicken thighs with chopped rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3
In a large, oven-proof nonstick skillet or paella pan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.
4
Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan, cooking for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned. Remove them from the pan and cover to keep warm.
5
In the same pan, add the sliced chourico and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Add in the chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 7 minutes and stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened.
7
Stir in the arborio rice, diced tomato, sweet paprika, crushed saffron, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
8
Return the chicken thighs to the pan and pour in the chicken broth, along with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
9
Wrap the handle of the pan with foil to prevent burning, cover the pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes.
10
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven, and gently stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp, cut asparagus, and thawed peas.
11
Cover the pan again and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and no longer translucent.
12
Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Portuguese Seafood Paella?
It is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot meal that features chicken thighs, succulent shrimp, and savory chourico combined with rice, vegetables, and aromatic saffron.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 skinless chicken thighs, which is approximately 1 1/2 lbs.
How should I season the chicken?
Season the chicken thighs with chopped rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary as a substitute for 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary.
What type of sausage is recommended?
This recipe specifically uses one link of Portuguese chourico, sliced into rounds.
What kind of rice is best for this paella?
Arborio rice is recommended for this recipe to achieve the traditional texture.
Why is saffron included in the recipe?
Saffron, known as the golden spice, provides an essential aromatic depth and authentic flavor to the paella.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the paella.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken thighs for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned.
How long do the onion and red bell pepper need to sauté?
Cook them for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are softened.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the minced garlic along with the rice, tomato, and spices, cooking for one additional minute.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of chicken broth to cook the rice and chicken.
How do I prevent the pan handle from burning in the oven?
Wrap the handle of the pan with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
How long is the initial baking time?
The paella should bake for an initial 10 minutes before adding the seafood and remaining vegetables.
When should I add the shrimp and asparagus?
Carefully remove the pan from the oven after the first 10 minutes of baking to stir in the shrimp, asparagus, and peas.
How long do the shrimp need to cook?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes after adding the shrimp, or until they are pink and no longer translucent.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 180 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 18g of protein.
How much fat is in this seafood paella?
There is 4.5g of fat per serving.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of diced plum tomatoes.
Do I need to peel the shrimp?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the pan.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be cut diagonally into pieces.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of frozen peas that have been thawed.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of canola oil.
Should the pan be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil before transferring it to the oven.
How do I prepare the saffron threads?
The 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads should be crushed before being added to the rice mixture.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed for this authentic paella.
Should I let the dish rest after cooking?
Yes, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving warm.
Can I garnish the paella?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with fresh herbs if desired.