Deluxe Seafood Paella
Indulge in the rich flavors of Spain with this Deluxe Seafood Paella. This vibrant dish combines an array of fresh seafood—shrimp, squid, and mussels—all cooked to perfection with aromatic saffron and garlic. The short-grain rice absorbs the delicious seafood broth, capturing the essence of the ocean in every bite. Perfect for a special family dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe will transport you straight to the coast of Spain with its colorful presentation and delightful taste.
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
Squid
1 lb (cleaned and cut into rings)
Mussels
1 lb (scrubbed and debearded)
Short-Grain Rice
2 cups (uncooked)
Onion
1 (minced)
Tomato Paste
1 tablespoon (none)
Green Pepper
1/2 (chopped)
Red Pepper
1/2 (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Saffron Threads
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Water
5 cups (warm)
Instructions
1
In a large paella pan or a thick-bottomed skillet, heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3
Stir in the chopped green and red peppers along with the tomato paste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
4
Add the squid to the mixture and cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to turn opaque.
5
Stir in the rice, saffron, salt, and pepper, ensuring the rice is well coated with the mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
6
Gradually pour in the warm water and add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring gently.
7
Bring the mixture to a simmer, reducing the heat to low. Allow it to cook uncovered until most of the water is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
8
Once the water is mostly absorbed, gently fold in the shrimp and mussels, nestling them into the rice. Cover the pan with a lid or foil, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the seafood is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
9
Remove from heat and let the paella rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the fresh flavors of this classic dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deluxe Seafood Paella?
Deluxe Seafood Paella is a vibrant Spanish dish that combines fresh shrimp, squid, and mussels with short-grain rice, aromatic saffron, and garlic.
What seafood is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound each of fresh shrimp, squid, and mussels.
What type of rice is recommended for paella?
Short-grain rice is used because it absorbs the flavorful seafood broth while maintaining a firm texture.
How should I prepare the shrimp?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the dish.
How do I prepare the mussels for cooking?
Mussels must be scrubbed and debearded to ensure they are clean and ready for the paella.
What gives the paella its distinct yellow color?
The signature golden color and unique aroma come from the use of 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 5 servings.
What vegetables are included in the base of the dish?
The vegetable base consists of minced onion, garlic, and both green and red bell peppers.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the minced onion and garlic for about 3 minutes until they become softened and fragrant.
When do I add the squid?
Add the squid to the vegetable mixture and cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to turn opaque before adding the rice.
Should I toast the rice before adding liquid?
Yes, stir the rice with the saffron and seasonings and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow it to toast slightly.
How much water is needed for the rice?
The recipe requires 5 cups of warm water to cook 2 cups of short-grain rice.
Do I cook the rice covered the entire time?
No, you first cook it uncovered for 10-15 minutes until most liquid is absorbed, then cover it once the seafood is added.
How do I know when to add the shrimp and mussels?
Fold in the shrimp and mussels once most of the water has been absorbed by the rice.
How long does the seafood take to cook once added?
After adding the shrimp and mussels, cover the pan and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
What kind of pan is best for this recipe?
A large paella pan or a thick-bottomed skillet is recommended for even heat distribution.
Should I let the paella rest before serving?
Yes, it is important to let the paella rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat to allow the flavors to settle.
Is tomato paste used in this version?
Yes, one tablespoon of tomato paste is added to the vegetable sauté for depth of flavor.
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, added in two separate stages.
How is the squid prepared?
The squid should be cleaned and cut into rings before cooking.
Can I use cold water for the broth?
The recipe specifies using warm water to help maintain a consistent cooking temperature for the rice.
What seasonings are used?
Beyond saffron, the dish is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the rice cooked before adding it to the pan?
No, you use 2 cups of uncooked short-grain rice which cooks in the seafood broth.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in your pan.
How much green and red pepper is used?
Use 1/2 of a green pepper and 1/2 of a red pepper, both chopped.
What temperature should I use for simmering?
Once the mixture is brought to a simmer, reduce the heat to low for the remainder of the cooking time.
Does the recipe use broth or water?
This specific recipe uses 5 cups of warm water, as the seafood itself flavors the liquid.
Can I substitute other seafood?
While this recipe specifies shrimp, squid, and mussels, you can generally adapt paella to include other fresh catches.
Is this recipe suitable for an elegant gathering?
Yes, its colorful presentation and rich flavors make it perfect for special family dinners or elegant events.