Mediterranean Seafood Paella
Elevate your dining experience with this delicious Mediterranean Seafood Paella, inspired by a classic recipe. Bursting with flavors from succulent shrimp and tender bay scallops, combined with aromatic saffron and fresh vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare. The use of reduced-sodium chicken broth ensures a wholesome yet flavorful base, while the vibrant colors of green peppers and plum tomatoes make it a feast for the eyes. Perfect for a cozy dinner gathering or a special occasion, this paella offers a balanced meal rich in protein and essential nutrients. Enjoy this dish that showcases the best of the Mediterranean in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-sodium chicken broth
6 cups (None)
Saffron thread
1/2 teaspoon (Crumble)
Ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Green peppers
1 1/4 cups (Diced (about 1 large))
Onion
1 cup (Sliced (about 1 small))
Garlic cloves
3 cloves (Minced)
Arborio rice or short-grain rice
1 1/2 cups (None)
Medium raw shrimp
1/2 lb (Peeled and deveined)
Bay scallops
1/2 lb (None)
Plum tomatoes
2 cups (Diced (about 4))
Mexican-style corn
1 (11-ounce) can (Drained)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth, crumbled saffron, ground pepper, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
2
While the broth is simmering, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced green peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are lightly browned and fragrant.
3
Stir in the arborio rice to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to coat the rice with the oil and vegetables.
4
Carefully pour the simmered broth mixture into the skillet with the rice and vegetables. Stir well and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice begins to absorb the liquid.
5
After 20 minutes, add the peeled shrimp, bay scallops, diced plum tomatoes, and Mexican-style corn to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and ensure even distribution of seafood and vegetables.
6
Continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the seafood is cooked through.
7
Remove the skillet from heat, cover with a lid, and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Seafood Paella?
It is a flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp, bay scallops, aromatic saffron, and fresh vegetables inspired by classic Mediterranean recipes.
What kind of broth is recommended for this paella?
The recipe uses 6 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth to ensure a wholesome yet flavorful base.
How should I prepare the saffron threads?
You should crumble 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads before adding them to the broth mixture.
What spices are used to season the broth?
The broth is seasoned with crumbled saffron, 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
How long should the broth simmer initially?
The broth mixture should be brought to a boil and then allowed to simmer for 10 minutes.
What oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Which vegetables are sautéed first in the skillet?
Diced green peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic are cooked together for 3 to 5 minutes.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Arborio rice or a similar short-grain rice is recommended for the best texture.
How do I incorporate the rice into the skillet?
Stir the rice into the sautéed vegetables and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to coat it with oil.
How long does the rice simmer in the broth?
The rice should simmer uncovered in the broth for 20 minutes before adding the seafood.
What size and type of shrimp should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of medium raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
What type of scallops are used in this paella?
1/2 lb of bay scallops are added to the dish along with the shrimp.
When should the seafood be added to the skillet?
The shrimp and bay scallops are added after the rice has already simmered for 20 minutes.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of diced plum tomatoes, which is approximately 4 tomatoes.
Is corn included in this Mediterranean recipe?
Yes, one 11-ounce can of drained Mexican-style corn is added with the seafood.
How long do the seafood and vegetables cook together?
They should simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the seafood is cooked through.
Should the skillet be covered during the main simmering process?
No, the rice and seafood should simmer uncovered to allow the liquid to be absorbed.
What is the final step after the cooking time is complete?
Remove the skillet from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Why is the dish allowed to stand for 5 minutes?
This allows the flavors to meld together before serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients including the broth, spices, vegetables, rice, and seafood.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, balanced meal rich in protein and essential nutrients.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/4 cups of diced green peppers, or about one large pepper.
How much onion is needed?
One cup of sliced onion, which is roughly one small onion, is used.
What makes this an easy cooking recipe?
It is a one-dish meal that uses simple simmering techniques and common ingredients.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The primary flavors come from saffron, paprika, garlic, and fresh seafood.
Is this recipe good for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is perfect for cozy dinner gatherings or special occasions due to its vibrant colors and rich flavors.
How much Arborio rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice or short-grain rice.
What is the total simmering time for the rice?
The rice simmers for a total of 30 minutes: 20 minutes alone and 10 minutes with the seafood.
Is this a Weight Watchers (WW) friendly recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a WW recipe and emphasizes healthy, lower-sodium ingredients.