Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that combines rice, saffron, vegetables, and a variety of proteins such as seafood, chicken, and sausage. Here is an easy and delicious paella recipe that you can make at home:

Easy Paella Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Paella:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup short-grain rice (such as Arborio or Bomba rice)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or seafood broth)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 1/2 pound chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 pound Spanish chorizo, sliced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Soak the saffron threads in warm water.
   • Clean and devein the shrimp, clean the mussels, and cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Chicken and Chorizo:
   • In a large paella pan or a wide, deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   • Add the sliced chorizo to the same pan and cook until it starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chorizo and set aside with the chicken.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the Rice and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the rice and smoked paprika, and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
   • Pour in the white wine and cook until it’s mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
   • Add the saffron threads and their soaking water, and stir to combine.
5. Add the Broth and Simmer:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
   • Return the cooked chicken and chorizo to the pan.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the Seafood and Peas:
   • Nestle the shrimp and mussels into the rice mixture, and sprinkle the peas on top.
   • Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that do not open.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the paella from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips:

• Rice: Use short-grain rice like Arborio or Bomba for the best texture. Avoid using long-grain rice as it won’t absorb the flavors as well.
• Saffron: Saffron adds a distinctive flavor and color to the dish. If you don’t have saffron, you can use a pinch of turmeric for color, but the flavor will be different.
• Broth: Use homemade or high-quality broth for the best flavor. Seafood broth enhances the dish if you’re using a lot of seafood.
• Proteins: Feel free to customize the proteins in your paella. You can add squid, clams, fish, or substitute the chicken with rabbit.

Paella is a versatile and impressive dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a special meal at home. Enjoy the rich flavors and beautiful presentation of this Spanish classic!