Seafood Paella Recipe

Picture this: a breezy coastal evening, the sound of waves gently lapping the shore, and the tantalizing aroma of Seafood Paella wafting through the air. This dish brings families together, celebrating the vibrant flavors of the ocean with every bite. Perfect for a special occasion or as the centerpiece of a family get-together, this Seafood Paella is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Dive in, and let the magic of coastal Spain inspire your culinary adventure!

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Skill Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups short-grain Spanish rice (such as Bomba or Calasparra)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 pound prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1 pound clams, scrubbed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the red and yellow bell peppers, cooking until they begin to soften, another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and smoked paprika, allowing the rice to coat in the oil and aromatics for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the saffron-infused water and white wine, stirring gently. Let simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Add the broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Arrange the prawns, mussels, and clams on top of the rice, pressing them slightly into the mixture. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked and the mussels and clams have opened (discard any that do not open).
7. Sprinkle in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Remove from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Helpful Tips

• If you can’t find saffron, turmeric is a good substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Ensure the rice cooks evenly by spreading it out in the pan as it simmers. Avoid stirring it too much.
• Pair your Seafood Paella with a crisp white wine, such as a Spanish Albariño, for a delightful combination.

Conclusion

There you have it: a Seafood Paella that’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a beautiful expression of culinary art. Gather your loved ones, relish the flavors, and create memories around the table. Don’t forget to share your Seafood Paella masterpieces with us using #ZynahzRecipes on Instagram, and tag us for a chance to be featured! Visit Zynahz to leave feedback and find more delicious recipes. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and be sure to follow Zynahz on social media for daily inspiration.