Saffron-Infused Chickpea and Chorizo Paella
Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain with this hearty Saffron-Infused Chickpea and Chorizo Paella. This delectable one-dish meal combines succulent Spanish chorizo with the earthiness of chickpeas and aromatic saffron. Perfectly cooked arborio rice cradles the rich tastes of roasted red pepper and sweet peas, creating a comforting dish that serves as a canvas for grilled shrimp or chicken, should you wish to elevate it further. Ideal for family gatherings or casual dinner parties, this recipe promises to bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spanish chorizo
8 ounces (sliced in half lengthwise and cut crosswise on the bias into 1/2-inch thick slices)
Extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons
Red onion or yellow onion
1 medium (minced)
Garlic
6 cloves plus 2 cloves (thinly sliced (6 cloves) and minced (2 cloves))
Salt
to taste
Paprika
4 teaspoons (not smoked)
Saffron threads
1 large pinch (crumbled)
Arborio rice
1 1/2 cups (can substitute Calasparra rice or Bomba rice)
Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Chicken broth
4 cups
Cooked chickpeas
1 1/2 cups (drained of any liquid)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (well drained)
Roasted red pepper
3/4 cup (rinsed, patted dry, and thinly sliced)
Frozen peas
1 cup (defrosted)
Green onions
4 (trimmed and thinly sliced on the bias)
Lemon
1 (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron-Infused Chickpea and Chorizo Paella?
It is a hearty one-dish Spanish-inspired meal that combines succulent chorizo, earthy chickpeas, and aromatic saffron with rice and vegetables.
What type of rice is best for this paella?
Arborio rice is recommended, but you can also substitute it with Calasparra or Bomba rice for an authentic texture.
Is saffron necessary for this recipe?
Saffron is key for providing the signature aroma and vibrant color characteristic of traditional paella.
Can I add other proteins to this dish?
Yes, you can elevate the meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
What kind of chorizo should I use?
The recipe calls for Spanish chorizo, which should be sliced in half lengthwise and then cut on the bias.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe uses a total of 8 cloves: 6 thinly sliced and 2 minced.
What type of paprika is recommended?
You should use 4 teaspoons of paprika that is not smoked.
Are the chickpeas used in this recipe dried or cooked?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of cooked chickpeas that have been drained of any liquid.
Can I use a yellow onion instead of a red onion?
Yes, the recipe allows for either one medium minced red onion or one yellow onion.
How do I prepare the roasted red peppers?
The roasted red peppers should be rinsed, patted dry, and then thinly sliced.
What should I serve as a garnish?
The dish is garnished with thinly sliced green onions and served with lemon wedges.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a comforting one-dish meal ideal for family gatherings.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
The rice is simmered in 4 cups of chicken broth.
How much saffron should I use?
One large crumbled pinch of saffron threads is sufficient for the recipe.
Are the peas fresh or frozen?
The recipe uses 1 cup of frozen peas that have been defrosted.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
Yes, the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes should be well drained before adding to the pan.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil are used for cooking the base ingredients.
Is fresh thyme required?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The rice cradles the rich tastes of the ingredients, creating a comforting and hearty texture.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While chicken broth provides a rich base, you could use vegetable broth if you are making a vegetarian variation.
How should the green onions be sliced?
They should be trimmed and thinly sliced on the bias.
Is this dish suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, it is ideal for casual dinner parties and brings a Mediterranean flair to the table.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavors are vibrant and Mediterranean, featuring savory chorizo, earthy chickpeas, and aromatic saffron.
How thick should the chorizo slices be?
The chorizo should be cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Do I need to salt the dish?
Yes, salt should be added to taste during the cooking process.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients including the garnishes.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly as long as they are drained of their liquid.
What is the purpose of the lemon wedges?
Lemon wedges are served on the side to provide a bright, acidic finish to the dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving numbers aren't listed, it is described as a meal suitable for family gatherings.
Does this recipe use smoked chorizo?
It specifies Spanish chorizo; while many are smoked, the recipe emphasizes using non-smoked paprika separately.