Authentic Seafood Paella Recipe
A traditional Spanish dish featuring saffron rice, shrimp, mussels, and squid.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio or Bomba rice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (grated)
- 4 cup seafood or chicken broth (warm)
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp warm water)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 8 mussels (cleaned and debearded)
- 6-8 squid rings
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the grated tomatoes, smoked paprika, and saffron (with soaking water). Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Cook the rice: Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat in the tomato mixture. Pour in the warm broth and season with salt and black pepper. Spread the rice evenly and do not stir again.
- Add the seafood: After 20 minutes, gently place the shrimp, mussels, and squid on top of the rice. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the seafood is fully cooked and the mussels have opened.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve directly from the pan.
Notes
- Do not stir the rice after adding the broth to allow a crispy layer (socarrat) to form at the bottom.
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor.