Flavorful Spanish Coastal Paella
Dive into the vibrant and heart warming experience of traditional Spanish Coastal Paella. This one-dish meal brings together a symphony of flavors, showcasing succulent chicken, tender squid, and juicy shrimp, all harmonized by the enchanting aroma of saffron. Enhanced by a colorful array of roasted peppers and peas, this paella embodies the spirit of the Mediterranean, making it a perfect centerpiece for lively gatherings or intimate family dinners. Easy to prepare and wonderfully adaptable, this dish is a celebration of Spain that promises to transport you to sun-drenched coastal shores, no matter where you are.
8
Servings
563
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken parts
2 1/2 lbs (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
medium onion
1 (finely diced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
salt
2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
fresh ground pepper
to taste
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
red bell pepper
1 large (roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced)
sliced green onion
1/2 cup
squid
1 lb (cleaned and sliced into rings)
saffron thread
1/2 teaspoon (crumbled)
large raw shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
short-grain rice
3 cups (preferably Spanish or Italian)
warm chicken stock
6 cups
live clams
1 1/2 lbs (washed)
frozen peas
1 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping each chicken breast half into three pieces and each leg into four pieces for even cooking.
2
In a 12- to 14-inch skillet or paella pan, heat olive oil over low heat with finely diced onion and minced garlic, allowing the onion to become translucent.
3
Once the onion has begun to sizzle, increase the heat to medium-high and add chicken pieces in batches, lightly browning them while seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4
As the chicken browns, shift the pieces to the perimeter of the pan to maximize the cooking space.
5
Once the chicken is no longer pink, mix in the cleaned squid, roasted red bell pepper, sliced green onion, and the remaining salt, along with the crumbled saffron. Stir well to combine.
6
Add the short-grain rice to the mixture, stirring for about a minute to ensure the rice is well coated with the seasoned oil.
7
Pour in warm chicken stock until it reaches within one inch of the rim of the pan, adjusting as needed based on the rice absorption.
8
Arrange fresh shrimp over the top and add washed clams in a circle along the edges, with the hinged sides facing down.
9
Bring the mixture to a lively simmer and cook for approximately 20 minutes until the rice is tender; scatter the frozen peas throughout the dish halfway through the cooking time.
10
After cooking, allow the paella to rest for a few minutes. The rice may appear slightly saucy initially, but it will absorb the remaining liquid before serving.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
48g
Carbs
45g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of the Flavorful Spanish Coastal Paella?
It is a traditional Mediterranean one-dish meal that combines chicken, squid, shrimp, and clams with the aromatic scent of saffron.
How many servings does this paella recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 563 calories.
What type of rice is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of short-grain rice, preferably Spanish or Italian varieties.
What proteins are included in this coastal paella?
The dish includes 2.5 lbs of chicken parts, 1 lb of sliced squid, 1 lb of large raw shrimp, and 1.5 lbs of live clams.
How much saffron is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of crumbled saffron threads.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 19g of fat per serving.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
One serving provides 45g of protein.
How should the chicken be prepared for cooking?
Chop each chicken breast half into three pieces and each leg into four pieces to ensure even cooking.
What size pan should be used for this recipe?
A 12- to 14-inch skillet or a dedicated paella pan is recommended.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 6 cups of warm chicken stock.
When should the frozen peas be added?
Scatter the frozen peas throughout the dish halfway through the 20-minute simmering time.
How should the clams be arranged in the pan?
Arrange the washed clams in a circle along the edges of the pan with the hinged sides facing down.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 48g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer for approximately 20 minutes until it is tender.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How do I prepare the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced.
What should I do after the cooking time is complete?
Allow the paella to rest for a few minutes so the rice can absorb any remaining liquid.
How many garlic cloves are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, fresh ground pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
How should the squid be prepared?
The squid should be cleaned and sliced into rings.
What is the purpose of browning the chicken in batches?
Browning in batches ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a proper sear without crowding the pan.
How much shrimp is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total.
When do I add the rice to the pan?
Add the rice after mixing the chicken with the squid, peppers, onions, and saffron, but before adding the stock.
Why is the rice stirred for a minute before adding liquid?
Stirring ensures the rice is well coated with the seasoned oil for better flavor and texture.
What type of onion is best for this dish?
A medium onion, finely diced, is used for the base of the dish.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt, though you can adjust to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect centerpiece for lively gatherings or intimate family dinners.
What does the recipe suggest if the rice looks saucy?
Do not worry; the rice will absorb the remaining liquid as it rests for a few minutes after cooking.