
Paella
Paella is a classic Spanish dish that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.
Carefully prepared featuring Raw tiger prawns, Parsley, Dry sherry, Mussels, Saffron, Chorizo, Onion, Garlic, Squid, Tomato, Paella Rice, Broad Beans and Lemon Zest, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. True to traditional Spanish cooking, the dish focuses on steeped in smoky pimentón, delicate saffron, and extra-virgin olive oil.
In authentic Spanish tradition, Paella is best presented served family-style with crusty bread and lemon halves.
If you enjoy authentic Spanish cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Arroz Con Gambas Y Calamar.
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Ingredients
- Olive Oil3 tablespoons
- Raw tiger prawns10
- ParsleyBunch
- Dry sherry100 ml
- Mussels500g
- SaffronPinch
- Chorizo150g
- Onion1 chopped
- Garlic3 cloves
- Squid1 medium
- Tomato2
- Paella Rice250g
- Broad Beans100g
- Lemon Zest1
Step-by-Step Instructions
19 stepsInteractive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.
Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a wide, shallow pan.
Add the prawn heads and parsley stalks and sizzle until the heads turn pink, then mash with a potato masher.
Pour over the sherry or wine and 300ml water, season with salt and simmer for 10 mins to make a stock, mashing the prawn heads as they cook.
Scatter the mussels into the pan, cover the pan loosely with a lid or tea towel, then put over a high heat for 3-4 mins until the mussels just open.
Stir to release the mussel juices, then pour the contents of the pan into a colander set over a large bowl containing the saffron.
Let the saffron steep in the stock – you will need 700ml in total, so top up with water if needed and give everything a good stir.
Pick the mussels out from the colander, then set aside.
Wipe out the pan and add the rest of the olive oil.
Sizzle the chorizo until it releases its oil, then add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
Add the squid and turn over until it turns white.
Add the tomatoes and cook down for a minute, then pour over most of the stock, give everything a good stir and bring to the boil.
Scatter the rice over the stock, stir well once, then boil vigorously for 5 mins.
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and slowly simmer for 10 mins without stirring until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.
Tuck the prawn tails into the rice and simmer for 5 mins, turning them over until cooked through.
Stir through the mussels and broad beans or peas.
Taste the rice – if it is still a little raw but the pan is dry, add a splash more stock and continue to cook; if it’s too soupy, then increase the heat to cook off the last of the stock.
Once the rice is just cooked, turn off the heat and cover with a tea towel for a few minutes.
Scatter over the parsley leaves and lemon zest, then season with smoked salt if you like.
Stir everything once, then serve straight from the pan, with lemon wedges on the side.
👨🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes
Cultural Heritage
Paella reflects the timeless heritage of traditional Spanish home cooking, steeped in smoky pimentón, delicate saffron, and extra-virgin olive oil. Prepared for generations for family gatherings and celebrations, it represents the heart of regional culinary identity.
Dietary Substitutions
For a richer sauce, replace a portion of the water with homemade bone broth, vegetable stock, or a splash of dry wine or red wine vinegar to cut through richness.
Chef Technique Tips
Take the time to thoroughly sear and brown raw tiger prawns in batches before adding the braising liquid. The caramelized fond deposited on the bottom of the pot dissolves into the stew, providing depth and body that cannot be rushed.
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