Paella owes its distinctive flavor and color to two key ingredients. The first, is saffron, a delicate spice made from the stigma of special saffron flowers. Pound for pound, it's the world's most expensive spice, but a little goes a long way. When you buy it, you'll see that it comes in a tiny portion. The second, is pimenton, a smoked paprika. When you pick this spice up, take a good whiff. The aroma is amazing!
The next key to a great paella is the rice. You need a starchy, creamy short
Once you're all set with your basic paella ingredients, you can choose your
Domestic Diva's Seafood Paella
2 cups Bomba or other short grain white rice
4 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock (see DD's recipe)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
1/2 cup pureed canned tomatoes
2 tbsp pimenton (smoked paprika)
1 cup frozen peas
2 chicken sausages diced
1 tsp saffron threads
3/4 lb clams
3/4 lb mussels
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp parsley chopped
salt and pepper
Directions:
Warm the pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow to warm. Then add the onions and peppers and saute until the onion is translucent (about 8 min).
Add the sausage and cook for another few minutes.
Add the tomato puree and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the saffron and pimenton and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring until mixed. Add the chicken stock, stirring to mix it in, and bring it to a boil (about 5 minutes).
Add the rice and peas and stir well to combine. Return to a boil and resist the urge to stir after this (Paella should develop a crust on the bottom, so don't be alarmed!). After it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer. Add the mussels and clams, spreading them around the top of the dish.
Cook for approximately 3o minutes, or until the stock is absorbed, the rice is cooked and the mussels and clams have all opened. Top with the lemon juice and chopped parsley, and serve family style for a lovely dinner!
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