Discover Our Genuine Spanish Paella Recipe: A Taste of Valencia

Warm Mediterranean breezes and vibrant Spanish paella recipe traditions dance together in this incredible culinary journey.

Generations of coastal cooks have perfected this saffron-infused masterpiece that captures the soul of Spanish cuisine.

Each grain of rice tells a story of rich cultural heritage and passionate cooking.

Seafood, tender chicken, and aromatic spices blend harmoniously in this classic dish.

Regional variations add depth and character to this beloved Spanish classic.

Fragrant saffron and smoky paprika transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Valencia.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this authentic Spanish treasure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient List For Spanish Paella

• Olive Oil: Provides rich flavor foundation and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic base, select firm and glossy onions for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers intense earthy undertones, pick plump cloves without sprouting.
• Red Bell Pepper: Contributes vibrant color and subtle sweetness, choose bright and firm peppers.
• Grated Tomatoes: Creates smooth sauce base, select ripe and juicy tomatoes.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky complexity, opt for high-quality Spanish varieties.
• Sweet Paprika: Enhances color and mild pepper flavor, choose fresh ground spices.

• Chicken: Provides substantial protein, select boneless thighs for tenderness.
• Shrimp: Adds delicate seafood texture, choose fresh or properly frozen with firm flesh.
• Mussels: Introduces briny ocean flavor, select tightly closed shells without cracks.
• Clams: Contributes marine richness, ensure shells are completely closed before cooking.

• Rice: Forms classic paella foundation, use short-grain Spanish rice for authentic texture.
• Saffron: Delivers signature golden color and luxurious aroma, buy high-quality threads.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and depth, select low-sodium for better control.
• Peas: Adds fresh green color and sweet pop, use frozen or fresh depending on season.
• Parsley: Provides fresh herb garnish, choose bright green leaves.
• Lemon: Offers bright acidic finish, select juicy, heavy lemons.

Tools Needed To Prepare Spanish Paella

• Paella Pan or Large Skillet: Wide, flat-bottomed pan essential for creating the signature crispy rice bottom.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring sofrito and gently mixing ingredients without breaking rice grains.
• Measuring Cups: Help accurately measure rice and broth for balanced flavors.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Grater: Used for grating fresh tomatoes.
• Small Bowl: Helpful for soaking saffron and preparing ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil or Kitchen Towel: Used for covering and resting the paella.
• Kitchen Timer: Ensures precise cooking times for perfect texture.

How To Make Spanish Paella From Scratch

• Create Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a wide pan, sizzle onions and garlic until they turn soft and fragrant. Mix in red bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, and smoky spices, letting everything meld together and develop deep, rich flavors.

• Brown the Protein

Add chicken pieces to the pan, cooking them until they develop a golden, appetizing exterior. Blend the meat with the existing spicy tomato mixture.

• Transform the Rice

Introduce rice to the pan, coating each grain with the intense sauce. Allow the rice to lightly toast, absorbing all the delicious surrounding flavors.

• Introduce Liquid Magic

Pour warm broth infused with saffron across the pan. Gently distribute the liquid without excessive stirring, allowing a delectable crispy bottom to form.

• Incorporate Seafood Treasures

Nestle shrimp, mussels, and clams atop the rice. Simmer everything slowly, letting the ingredients dance together until rice becomes tender and seafood cooks perfectly. Sprinkle peas during the final cooking moments.

• Rest and Celebrate

Remove pan from heat, cover, and let the paella rest. This allows flavors to harmonize and intensify. Scatter fresh parsley and serve with bright lemon wedges for a final flourish.

Tips And Twists To Upgrade Spanish Paella

• Perfect Pan Selection
• Seafood Freshness Tip: Always use the freshest seafood possible and clean mussels and clams thoroughly before adding to the dish, removing any that don't close when tapped.
• Rice Texture Secret: Use short-grain Spanish rice like bomba or calasparra for authentic texture and ability to absorb more liquid without becoming mushy during cooking.
• Diet-Friendly Variations
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken and seafood with grilled artichokes, roasted bell peppers, and plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure broth is gluten-free and avoid using any wheat-based additives
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and reduce cooking time slightly
• Spice Level Control: Adjust paprika and add red pepper flakes to increase heat intensity according to personal preference, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.

Ideas For Serving Spanish Paella Beautifully

• Spanish Fiesta Feast: Perfect accompaniments to elevate your paella experience.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Serve with crisp Spanish albariño or refreshing sangria to complement the rich seafood and savory rice flavors.
• Fresh Side Salad Sensation: Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette to balance the paella's intensity.
• Mediterranean Bread Buddy: Offer crusty Spanish bread or garlic-rubbed toasted baguette slices to soak up delicious pan juices and add textural contrast.

Storing Spanish Paella The Right Way

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover paella in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring seafood and rice remain fresh and safe to consume.
• Intelligent Reheating Technique: Warm paella gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from becoming dry or sticky. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
• Smart Freezing Method: Freeze paella in sealed freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Separate seafood components before freezing to prevent texture degradation. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep seafood and rice separate during storage to maintain optimal quality. Store proteins and rice in different compartments to prevent moisture absorption and potential bacterial growth. Use shallow containers for quicker cooling and even temperature distribution.

Authentic Spanish Paella Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Authentic Spanish paella brings Mediterranean flavors to life with saffron-infused rice, succulent seafood, and aromatic spices. Home cooks can easily master this classic dish that connects culture and culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

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• 0.5 lb (225 g) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, bite-sized pieces
• 0.5 lb (225 g) shrimp, large, peeled, deveined
• 0.5 lb (225 g) mussels or clams, scrubbed
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1.5 cups (300 g) Spanish Bomba or Arborio rice
• 4 cups (1 L) chicken or seafood broth, warmed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, grated (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 0.5 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsps warm water
• 0.5 cup frozen peas
• 0.33 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Create a robust base by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add red bell peppers, grated tomatoes, and paprika, allowing the mixture to caramelize and develop a rich, aromatic profile.
2. Protein Integration: Introduce chicken pieces and sear until golden-brown, melding seamlessly with the developed sofrito. The meat will contribute depth and complexity to the dish’s overall flavor structure.
3. Rice Preparation: Coat rice grains with the tomato mixture, toasting briefly to enhance nutty characteristics and optimize liquid absorption. This crucial step ensures each grain becomes a flavor carrier.
4. Liquid Infusion: Pour warm broth and saffron methodically across the pan, distributing evenly while preserving potential crispy rice formations. Maintain a gentle simmer to allow rice to absorb flavors and achieve perfect texture.
5. Seafood and Finishing Touches: Arrange shrimp, mussels, and clams strategically atop the simmering rice. Scatter green peas in the final cooking moments to maintain their vibrant color and tender consistency. Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges to provide a bright, citrusy contrast.

Notes

• Select Authentic Rice: Use short-grain Spanish rice like Bomba or Calasparra for optimal texture and liquid absorption, ensuring the signature paella consistency.
• Master Sofrito Technique: Slowly caramelize onions and garlic to develop deep, complex flavor base without burning, which can create bitter undertones.
• Control Liquid Ratio: Pour broth carefully, maintaining precise liquid-to-rice proportion to achieve perfectly cooked, non-mushy grains with slightly crispy bottom called “socarrat”.
• Seafood Timing Precision: Add shellfish strategically during final cooking stage to prevent overcooking, preserving tender texture and preventing rubbery consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg