Spicy Shrimp & Chorizo Paella Delight
Indulge in this vibrant and flavorful Spicy Shrimp & Chorizo Paella, a classic Spanish dish that beautifully combines tender shrimp and savory chorizo with aromatic spices, colorful vegetables, and hearty brown rice. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this one-dish meal not only delights the palate but also showcases the rich culinary heritage of Spain. Packed with protein and fiber, it's a satisfying and nutritious option that everyone will love. Make it your own by adding seasonal vegetables or your preferred spices for an extra kick!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chorizo sausage
2 ounces (halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons)
garlic cloves
6 (chopped)
saffron threads
1 teaspoon (raw)
long grain brown rice
1 cup (raw)
chicken broth
1 3/4 cups (more if needed)
diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (with juice)
medium shrimp
8 ounces (peeled)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
frozen peas
3/4 cup (raw)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven, heat over medium heat until hot.
2
Add the sliced chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat begins to render and the chorizo is browned, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
4
Stir in the saffron threads, then add the long grain brown rice, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
5
Pour in the chicken broth, then cover the pot and bring to a vigorous boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
7
After 30 minutes, add the diced tomatoes with their juice into the pot and stir gently, cover, and allow to cook for an additional 25 minutes.
8
While the rice is finishing cooking, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
9
Gently fold the seasoned shrimp and frozen peas into the rice mixture, adding more chicken broth if the rice appears dry.
10
Cover the pot again and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the rice is tender.
11
After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
12
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Shrimp & Chorizo Paella Delight?
It is a vibrant Spanish one-dish meal that combines tender shrimp, savory chorizo, aromatic saffron, and hearty brown rice.
What kind of rice is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses long grain brown rice for added fiber and a hearty texture.
How should the chorizo be prepared?
The chorizo should be halved lengthwise and then sliced into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons.
How much garlic is needed for this paella?
The recipe calls for 6 chopped garlic cloves to provide a robust flavor.
Is saffron necessary for this dish?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of saffron threads is used to provide the traditional yellow color and aromatic flavor profile of authentic paella.
What type of shrimp should I buy?
You should use 8 ounces of medium shrimp that have been peeled.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe starts with 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth, with more added if the rice appears dry during cooking.
When do I add the diced tomatoes?
The tomatoes, with their juice, are added after the rice has simmered for 30 minutes.
Do I need to cook the peas before adding them?
No, you can add 3/4 cup of frozen peas directly into the rice mixture during the final cooking stage.
How long does the rice cook in total?
The rice cooks in stages: 30 minutes initially, then 25 minutes with tomatoes, and a final 10-15 minutes with the shrimp and peas.
What should I do if the rice is too dry?
If the rice appears dry when folding in the shrimp and peas, you should add a bit more chicken broth.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are cooked through when they are opaque and pink, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes in the simmering rice.
Should the dish rest after cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the paella rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the heat to allow the flavors to meld.
How is the dish served?
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately, ideally garnished with lemon wedges or fresh herbs.
What cookware is best for this recipe?
A Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe as it retains heat well for simmering.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is a classic one-dish meal where everything is cooked together in a single pot.
What makes this paella 'spicy'?
The spice primarily comes from the chorizo sausage and can be adjusted with additional spices or peppers to your preference.
Can I add other vegetables to this paella?
Yes, the description suggests making it your own by adding seasonal vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 key ingredients: chorizo, garlic, saffron, brown rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, shrimp, salt and pepper, and frozen peas.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, the combination of shrimp and chorizo makes this a protein-packed meal.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies using a 14 1/2-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juice.
Do I need to season the shrimp separately?
Yes, you should season the shrimp with salt and pepper before folding them into the rice mixture.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to heat a Dutch oven over medium heat until it is hot.
How long do I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
While the recipe calls for brown rice, you can use white rice, though you will need to significantly reduce the cooking time.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty and satisfying nature.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include paella, shrimp, chorizo, one dish meal, Spanish cuisine, comfort food, seafood, spicy, and family meal.
How much chorizo is needed?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of chorizo sausage.
How do I brown the chorizo?
Cook the sliced chorizo for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and it is browned.
Is this recipe good for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner.