Delectable Southern European Paella for Two
Our Southern European Paella for Two encapsulates the vibrant essence of Spain. Rich with the flavors of the Mediterranean, this aromatic dish blends fresh seafood, tender chicken, and the finest spices. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special evening shared with a loved one, this dish promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Dive into the heart of Southern European cuisine and let the symphony of flavors transport you to the sun-kissed coasts of Spain.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert
Ingredients
- 60 ml olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, grated
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp saffron
- 200 g Bomba rice (or Arborio rice)
- 500 ml chicken broth
- 200 g shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 200 g mussels, cleaned
- 200 g chicken thighs, chopped
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or paella pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper softens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Add the chopped chicken thighs and sauté until they are no longer pink.
- Mix in the paprika and saffron, and stir until aromatic.
- Pour the rice into the pan, stirring to coat with the oil and spices. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shrimp and mussels to the pan. Continue to cook until the rice is tender, shrimp are pink, and mussels have opened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the paella rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve warm.
Tips
- For an additional flavor boost, consider toasting the saffron briefly in a dry pan before adding it to the dish.
- Ensure the mussels you use are fresh by checking they are tightly closed before cooking. Discard any that are already open or do not open during cooking.
- Let the paella rest, covered, for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld wonderfully.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 150 kcal (628 kJ) | 750 kcal (3140 kJ) |
| Fat | 5g | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 75g |
| Sugars | 2g | 10g |
| Proteins | 10g | 50g |
