Spanish Paella Recipe

This Paella Recipe contains saffron, chicken legs, bomba rice, onion, tomato sauce, chorizo, shrimp, mussels, and clams. 

Let's create an authentic paella, starting with the traditional ingredients of saffron-infused rice, succulent chicken, savory chorizo, and an array of fresh seafood. We'll also delve into the art of achieving the coveted socarrat—the caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the pan that adds an irresistible depth of flavor.

Whether you're a seasoned paella enthusiast or new to this delightful dish, our blog is here to inspire and guide you through the process. From stovetop to grill, we'll explore different cooking methods and share tips and tricks to elevate your paella game. The key components of paella include short-grain rice, saffron, and a combination of meats, seafood, and vegetables. The traditional proteins used in paella are chicken, rabbit, and sometimes snails, while the seafood options can include shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid.

If you love Paella and Spanish recipes, you need to try my Spanish Tortilla Recipe or my Pulpo a la Gallega Recipe.

Jump to:

• What is Paella?
• Why you will love this Paella Recipe
• Paella Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Paella
• What to serve with Paella
• Substitutions
• Paella Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Paella
• Paella Recipe Top tips
• Spanish Paella Recipe
• Food safety

What is Paella?

Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish that originated in the Valencia region of Spain. It is a culinary icon and one of Spain's most famous and beloved dishes. Paella is typically cooked in a large, shallow, and wide pan called a "paellera" or "paella pan," which gives the dish its name.

One of the defining characteristics of paella is its vibrant yellow color, which comes from the saffron used during cooking. Saffron threads are steeped in broth or water and then added to the dish, imparting a distinct flavor and aroma. This aromatic spice is essential for achieving the authentic taste of paella.

Why you will love this Paella Recipe

• Bursting with flavors: Paella is a dish that combines a variety of ingredients, from succulent meats and seafood to aromatic spices and vegetables. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying taste experience.
• Versatile and customizable: Paella is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. You can choose your favorite proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, or mussels, and add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or artichokes. This allows you to tailor the recipe to your liking and experiment with different flavor combinations.
• Impressive presentation: Paella is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The vibrant colors of the ingredients, combined with the saffron-infused rice and the crispy socarrat, make for an impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
• Perfect for gatherings: Paella is traditionally cooked in large portions, making it ideal for gatherings and special occasions. It's a dish that brings people together, creating a festive and communal atmosphere.

Paella Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Saffron threads
• Chicken thighs
• Chorizo
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Roasted red peppers
• Tomato puree
• Calasparra rice
• White wine
• Chicken broth
• Clams
• Mussels
• Shrimp
• Lemon

See recipe card for Paella Recipe quantities.

How to make Paella

Hint: Saffron is an essential ingredient in paella, adding a unique flavor and vibrant yellow color. Before adding the liquid, steep saffron threads in warm broth or white wine to release their aroma and color. This step ensures the saffron is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

What to serve with Paella

• Spanish Tapas: Start your meal with a selection of traditional Spanish tapas. Serve dishes like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), albondigas (Spanish meatballs), or a refreshing Spanish salad with tomatoes, onions, and olives. Check out my Pan Tumaca Recipe.
• Bread and Dips: Offer a basket of crusty bread or baguette slices alongside some delicious dips. Spanish-inspired options could include aioli (garlic mayo), romesco sauce (red pepper and almond sauce), or a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip.
• Gazpacho: Gazpacho is a chilled tomato-based soup that complements paella well, especially during hot summer months. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside the main dish to refresh and cleanse the palate.

Substitutions

• Protein substitutions:
  • Instead of chicken legs and thighs, you can use boneless chicken breast or pork loin.
  • If you prefer a seafood paella, you can substitute the chicken with a combination of fish fillets, scallops, or calamari.
• Rice substitutions:
  • If you don't have Bomba or Calasparra rice, you can use Arborio rice or another short-grain rice variety.
  • Alternatively, you can use long-grain rice, but keep in mind that the texture and absorption may differ slightly.
• Chorizo substitutions:
  • If you don't have chorizo, you can use spicy Italian sausage or Andouille sausage as a substitute.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can use plant-based sausages or tempeh as a flavorful alternative.
• Wine substitutions:
  • If you prefer to omit alcohol or don't have white wine on hand, you can replace it with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Vegetable substitutions:
  • Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. You can include bell peppers, peas, green beans, artichoke hearts, or diced tomatoes.
  • If you want a spicier kick, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Saffron substitutions:
  • Saffron is a key ingredient in paella, but if you don't have it, you can substitute it with a pinch of turmeric or achiote powder. Keep in mind that the flavor and color may vary.

Paella Recipe Variations

• Seafood Paella: This variation focuses on seafood as the main protein. It typically includes a combination of shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, and sometimes fish fillets. The flavors of the seafood shine through, creating a delicious and aromatic paella.
• Mixed Paella: Mixed paella recipe combines both meat and seafood for a flavorful combination. It typically includes chicken, chorizo, shrimp, and a variety of shellfish. This variation offers a balance of flavors and textures.
• Valencian Paella: This is the original and most traditional version of paella, originating from the Valencia region of Spain. It features rabbit and chicken as the meats, along with snails (optional). The combination of flavors creates a rustic and authentic paella.
• Black Paella (Arroz Negro): This variation gets its unique color and flavor from squid ink. It includes squid or cuttlefish, giving the rice a striking black hue. The squid ink adds a briny and rich taste to the dish.

Equipment

• Paella Pan: The most important equipment for making paella is a traditional paella pan, also known as a paellera. It is a wide, shallow, and flat pan with sloping sides. The pan's large surface area allows for even cooking and the development of the coveted socarrat, the caramelized crust on the bottom of the rice.
• Burner or Stovetop: Paella is traditionally cooked over an open flame or on a specialized paella burner. If you have access to a gas stove with a wide burner, you can use that. Alternatively, you can use a portable outdoor burner or a grill with a flat cooking surface.
• Wooden Spoon or Paella Paddle: A long-handled wooden spoon or a paella paddle is essential for stirring the ingredients and spreading the rice evenly in the pan.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You will need a cutting board and a knife for chopping vegetables, meats, and seafood.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients for the paella recipe.
• Ladle: A ladle comes in handy for adding broth and distributing it evenly over the rice.
• Kitchen Timer: A timer will help you keep track of the cooking time for the rice and ensure that it is perfectly cooked.
• Oven Mitts or Heat-resistant Gloves: Paella pans can become very hot, so it's important to have oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to handle the pan safely.
• Serving Utensils: Have a large serving spoon or spatula ready to transfer the paella to a serving platter or individual plates.
• Optional Accessories: Some additional accessories that can enhance your paella-making experience include a paella pan cover or aluminum foil to cover the pan during cooking, a citrus squeezer for serving lemon wedges, and a decorative paella pan stand for presentation purposes.

How to store Paella

• Cool the Paella: Allow the paella to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and maintains the integrity of the ingredients.
• Transfer to an Airtight Container: Place the paella in an airtight container or a shallow, lidded container that is large enough to accommodate the size of the paella.
• Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator and ensure it is tightly sealed. Paella can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: When ready to enjoy the paella, you can reheat it in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a little bit of broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out and stir gently to distribute the heat evenly. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
• Note on Socarrat: The socarrat, the crispy crust that forms on the bottom of the paella, may become soft when stored. To regain some crispiness, you can heat a portion of paella in a skillet with a little bit of oil or butter, allowing the bottom to become crispy again.
• Freeze (optional): If you have a large amount of leftover paella and want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Portion the paella into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Label and date the containers and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Paella Recipe Top tips

• Use the Right Rice: For an authentic paella, it's important to use short-grain rice, specifically Bomba or Calasparra rice. These varieties have the ability to absorb liquid while remaining firm and separate during cooking, resulting in a perfect paella texture.
• Sauté the Rice: Before adding the liquid, sauté the rice in olive oil for a few minutes. This helps the rice grains toast slightly and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Use Homemade Broth: If possible, make your own chicken broth for the paella. It adds a depth of flavor that store-bought broth may lack. Simmer chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs in water to create a flavorful base.
• Infuse with Saffron: Saffron is an essential ingredient in paella, adding a unique flavor and vibrant yellow color. Before adding the liquid, steep saffron threads in warm broth or white wine to release their aroma and color. This step ensures the saffron is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
• Properly Distribute the Ingredients: Arrange the ingredients evenly in the paella pan, making sure the chicken, seafood, and other components are spread out. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld together.
• Avoid Over-Stirring: While it's important to stir the paella occasionally to prevent sticking, try not to over-stir. Over-stirring can release excess starch from the rice, resulting in a mushy texture.
• Allow for Socarrat: The socarrat is the crispy caramelized crust that forms at the bottom of the paella. To achieve this coveted layer, let the paella cook without stirring towards the end of the cooking process. Increase the heat slightly to create the desired crust.
• Serve with Lemon Wedges: Paella pairs beautifully with fresh lemon wedges. Squeeze some lemon juice over the paella just before serving to add a bright and tangy flavor.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.