This seafood paella is a blend of saffron rice, Spanish chorizo, shrimp, clams and mussels, all simmered together to create an easy and satisfying one pot meal. This dinner is quick enough to make on a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to company.
When I’m in the mood for a taste of the sea, I make some of my favorite dishes including seafood boil, garlic butter crab legs and this fresh and colorful seafood paella.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN INGREDIENTS IN PAELLA?
There are many different versions of paella, but they all have the same basic ingredient list.
- Rice: Short grain rice is traditional in paella dishes. Bomba or Calasparra rice are the two most common Spanish varieties, and can be found in some larger grocery stores. If you can’t find either of these types of rice, substitute a different short grain rice such as Calrose or Arborio.
- Protein: Most versions of paella contain some form of meat or seafood. The most common meat options include chicken, duck, rabbit and sausage such as chorizo. Seafood options include a variety of fish and shellfish.
- Saffon: This is a spice that comes from crocus flowers and is the ingredient that turns the rice its characteristic golden hue and fragrant flavor and aroma. Saffron is expensive, but a little goes a long way and it’s crucial for an authentic dish.
- Vegetables: Paella contains any number of veggies. The most common additions are onions, peas, red bell peppers and tomatoes.
Leave a Reply