Mediterranean Shrimp & Chorizo Paella
This vibrant Mediterranean Shrimp & Chorizo Paella is a healthy twist on the traditional Spanish dish, blending the smoky flavor of chorizo sausage with succulent shrimp and nutritious vegetables. Inspired by Cooking Light Magazine's September 2007 edition, this one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and a hint of saffron (or turmeric for a lighter option), it's a delightful feast that transports you to the shores of Spain with every bite. Enjoy this colorful dish packed with protein and vegetables, and feel free to experiment with spices; I’d love to hear your thoughts on using turmeric as a saffron substitute!
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chorizo sausage
2 links (sliced (about 6.5 oz))
chopped onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
chopped green bell pepper
1 cup (finely chopped)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
saffron thread
1/4 teaspoon (or turmeric)
instant rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
water
3/4 cup (for cooking)
marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) (drained)
clam juice
1 bottle (8 ounces) (bottled)
medium shrimp
8 ounces (peeled and deveined)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo sausage to the pan, and sauté for about 1 minute until it starts to brown.
2
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pan and sauté for approximately 4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3
3. Stir in the minced garlic, black pepper, and saffron (or turmeric), and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4
4. Stir in the instant rice, water, marjoram, diced tomatoes, and clam juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 4 minutes, or until the rice is almost tender.
5
5. Gently fold in the shrimp, cover the skillet again, and allow to simmer for an additional 3 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
12.75g
Carbs
8.5g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Shrimp & Chorizo Paella?
It is a vibrant, healthy twist on traditional Spanish paella that combines smoky chorizo sausage with succulent shrimp and nutritious vegetables in a one-pan meal.
How many calories are in this paella recipe?
This Mediterranean Shrimp & Chorizo Paella contains 130 calories per serving.
Can I substitute saffron in this recipe?
Yes, if you do not have saffron threads, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric as a lighter substitute.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 cups of uncooked instant rice.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, this is a convenient one-pan meal cooked entirely in a large nonstick skillet.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving of this paella provides 8.5 grams of protein.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The recipe includes 1 cup of finely chopped onion and 1 cup of finely chopped green bell pepper.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be folded in at the end and simmered for approximately 3 minutes until they are pink and cooked through.
What is the fat content of this meal?
This healthy paella version contains 4.5 grams of fat.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the September 2007 edition of Cooking Light Magazine.
Do I need to prepare the chorizo before cooking?
Yes, you should use 2 links (about 6.5 oz) of chorizo sausage and slice them before sautéing.
What liquids are used to cook the rice?
The rice is cooked using a combination of 3/4 cup water and an 8-ounce bottle of clam juice.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
The onion and green bell pepper should be sautéed for approximately 4 minutes until they soften.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 14.5-ounce can of no-salt-added diced tomatoes, making sure to drain them first.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram and freshly ground black pepper.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 12.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the shrimp be peeled?
Yes, you should use 8 ounces of medium shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
How long does the rice mixture simmer before adding shrimp?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 4 minutes until the rice is almost tender.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely, its quick preparation and one-pan method make it perfect for weeknight meals.
What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the rice and chorizo from sticking.
When do I add the garlic and spices?
Stir in the minced garlic, black pepper, and saffron (or turmeric) after the vegetables have softened, and sauté for one minute.
Can I use bottled clam juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists an 8-ounce bottle of clam juice as an ingredient.
Is the chorizo cooked separately?
No, the chorizo is sautéed first in the skillet, and then the vegetables are added to the same pan.
How much saffron is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include paella, shrimp, chorizo, healthy, mediterranean, quick meal, one-pan, seafood, and comfort food.
How do you know when the chorizo is ready in step 1?
The chorizo is ready once it has been sautéed for about 1 minute and starts to brown.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in this Mediterranean Shrimp & Chorizo Paella.
Is there added salt in the tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using no-salt-added diced tomatoes.