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–+ servings

Mixed Paella

Mixed Paella is a vibrant Spanish dish combining chicken, seafood, and vegetables cooked in a flavorful broth, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Spanish
Servings 6 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Spanish EVOO preferred
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (½ red and ½ green recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium roma tomatoes, finely diced (or 8 oz tomato sauce)
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon paprika sweet or smoked
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup white wine

Protein and Rice

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups Spanish rice
  • 5 cups chicken broth

Seafood and Garnish

  • 1/2 lb jumbo shrimp or prawns (about 12), peeled with tails on
  • 1/2 lb mussels (about 10–12), cleaned and de-bearded
  • 8 oz calamari rings
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided) for garnish
  • 1 medium Lemon, sliced for garnish

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat.
  • Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, bay leaf, paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add white wine and simmer for 10 minutes, adjusting seasoning if needed.

Cooking

  • Stir in the chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and rice. Cook for 1 minute to coat the rice with flavor.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth, shaking the pan gently to distribute the rice into an even layer. Do not stir after this step.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 15–18 minutes.
  • Nestle shrimp, mussels, and calamari into the rice mixture. Sprinkle peas on top. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is nearly tender.
  • If the rice needs more time, add 1/4 cup additional broth or water.

Finishing

  • Remove from heat and cover with foil or a lid. Place a kitchen towel over the pan and let the paella rest for 10 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Notes

Use a good quality Spanish rice for better flavor absorption. Don’t stir after adding broth to create the crispy bottom crust. Feel free to adjust seafood to your preference. Let it rest for better flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Keyword chicken, Mixed Paella, Paella, Rice, Seafood
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