Description
Paella is a classic Spanish dish originating from the region of Valencia, famous for its combination of rice, saffron, and a variety of proteins. Traditionally, paella is cooked over an open flame in a large shallow pan known as a “paellera.” The dish has evolved over time, and there are now many different variations based on local ingredients, preferences, and traditions.
Ingredients
Base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cups Arborio or paella rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp saffron threads
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Proteins:
- 8 oz Spanish chorizo, sliced
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet.
- Add onion and cook until golden (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Toast spices and rice:
- Add paprika, turmeric, saffron, chili flakes, and salt.
- Stir in rice and coat well with the oil and spices.
- Simmer:
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Add chorizo:
- Stir in sliced chorizo and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp:
- Arrange shrimp on top, pressing gently into the rice.
- Cook for 5–10 minutes until shrimp are pink and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish:
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For the most authentic flavor, use Spanish bomba rice and cook the paella without stirring to develop the prized socarrat—the crispy layer at the bottom. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley just before serving will brighten up the dish beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / One-Pan
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Shrimp paella, Chorizo paella, Spanish paella recipe, Seafood paella, Paella with chorizo