Traditional Valencian Paella
Bring the taste of Valencia to your home with our Traditional Valencian Paella recipe. This classic Spanish dish has been enjoyed for centuries, and for good reason. Our recipe includes saffron, chicken, sausages, and other meats or seafood to create a complex and delicious flavor. Impress your friends with your culinary skills and treat your taste buds to a journey through Spain.
**Ingredients:**
- 2 cups Spanish short-grain rice (such as Bomba or Calasparra rice)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tomato, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
- 8-10 sausages (chorizo or Spanish longaniza), sliced
- 8-10 chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- 12-16 large shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined
- 12-16 mussels or clams, cleaned and debearded
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot, and then add the saffron threads to infuse the broth with their color and flavor. Keep it warm.
2. In a paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced sausages and cook until they release their oils and become slightly browned.
4. Remove the sausages and set them aside.
5. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, and brown them in the same pan until they are golden on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
6. In the same pan, add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until they become tender.
7. Stir in the grated tomato and smoked paprika, and cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
8. Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the flavorful mixture.
9. Pour in the saffron-infused chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
10. Arrange the browned chicken, sausage slices, shrimp, mussels or clams, and peas on top of the rice.
11. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and let the paella simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the liquid is absorbed, and the seafood is cooked through.
12. Remove the paella from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
13. Garnish the paella with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
Traditional Valencian Paella is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine. Enjoy this iconic Spanish recipe with friends and family!