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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Paella

I was introduced to seafood at a very young age.  My mom loved cooking with shrimp & at Filipino gatherings we would eat deep fried squid.  There was a lot more seafood-type dishes, but I never really questioned what it was.  I never even thought twice about eating it!  So it was no surprise that this recipe would pique my interest…and even though it does take some time & effort, it’s well worth it.  I truly have a warm feelings about paella-there is something so special & comforting about it. 

I didn’t have a paella pan, so I used my wok.  It worked well, but the rice needed to be cooked a little bit longer than it would in a paella pan.  I think it’s due to the fact that the heat is distributed differently.  You could easily adjust the types of meat/seafood to use in here to what you prefer, but I really liked it the way it is.  Mussels are something I’ve never had but were a great addition.  This dish makes enough to feed a crowd, but I don’t mind.  I love leftovers, especially just before starting my set at work!! 

Paella
Serves 6

INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
200 grams chorizo sausage
1 white hot pepper, seeds removed, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced finely
1 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
¼ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon saffron
Pinch of paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste

2 cups Italian rice (or short grain rice like Arborio)
4 cups vegetable broth

4 mushrooms, sliced thinly
1 cup peas
400 grams shrimp, defrosted
1 pound mussels

2 tomatoes, diced
Chopped parsley, cilantro & lemon wedges

DIRECTIONS
With a wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the chorizo in the pan & cook thoroughly.

Next, stir in the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic, hot pepper and red & yellow peppers. Cook until slightly softened & add in spices.

Add in the rice & stir for 3-4 minutes. Add in the stock, mushrooms & peas.  Allow the rice to come to a boil and reduce the heat down to a simmer. Arrange the mussels and shrimp on top.

Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring at least once. Check to see if the rice cooked. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes then stir in the tomatoes.

Serve with cilantro, parsley & lemon wedges.

Source: adapted from Peaches & Donuts, originally from Gordon Ramsay’s World Kitchen

2 comments:

  1. I have not made paella in ages! I think I might have to try a vegetarian version, although that may defeat the purpose of paella when you remove the seafood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Give it a shot and let me know! I've been curious to maybe add tofu and see how it would taste! ;)

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