Classic Spanish Paella Recipe

Paella, a classic Spanish dish, is a flavorful combination of succulent seafood, tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. A feast for the senses, it is as much a treat to cook as it is to eat, bringing the warm, sunny flavors of Spain right to your kitchen.

Photos of Classic Spanish Paella Recipe

Most of the ingredients for Paella are fairly common such as olive oil, onion, garlic, bell pepper, chicken fillets, tomatoes, white wine, salt, pepper and peas. But some ingredients like calamari rings, mussels, saffron powder, and medium grain rice may need a special trip to the supermarket. Make sure to look for saffron powder in the spice aisle, and you'll probably find the calamari rings and mussels in the frozen seafood section.

Ingredients for the Classic Spanish Paella

Olive oil: Used for sautéing and imparting a rich flavor.

Onion: To add a sweet and savory flavor.

Garlic: For a pungent kick.

Red bell pepper: Adds color and a sweet flavor.

Chicken thigh fillets: The protein that forms the base of the dish.

Tomatoes: They break down to form a sauce.

Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth of flavor.

Salt and pepper: Seasoning to enhance all the flavors.

Mussels: Seafood that adds a taste of the sea.

Calamari rings: Another seafood ingredient that adds texture and flavor.

Chicken broth: The liquid in which the rice cooks.

Medium grain rice: The main carbohydrate, it cooks perfectly in the broth.

Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and sweet flavor.

Saffron powder: A special spice that gives a unique aroma and golden color.

Paprika: Adds mild sweetness and color.

Garlic powder: For additional garlic flavor.

Onion powder: To add more onion flavor without extra moisture.

Shrimp: A juicy, succulent seafood addition.

Fresh flat leaf parsley: Garnish that adds a fresh, herby flavor.

Bell peppers: Used for garnish and extra flavor.

One reader, Florentia Obrien says:

This classic Spanish paella recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and authentic, and the combination of seafood and chicken is simply divine. The saffron and paprika add a beautiful depth to the dish, making it a true showstopper. I can't wait to make it again!

Florentia Obrien

Techniques Required for Making Classic Spanish Paella

How to sauté chicken: Sauté the chicken in a hot pan with a small amount of oil until it turns golden brown on all sides. This will help to seal in the juices and add flavor to the paella.

How to cook the rice: After adding the rice to the pan, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Allow the rice to absorb most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Cook until the rice is almost tender.

How to cook the prawns: Add the prawns to the paella and mix them through the rice. Cover the pan and allow the prawns and rice to cook completely. This will ensure that the prawns are cooked to perfection and infused with the flavors of the dish.

How To Make Classic Spanish Paella

Make your dinner extra special by serving a delicious, classic Spanish dish. This Spanish paella recipe is loaded with fresh seafood and authentic flavors.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

2tbspolive oil
1largeonion,chopped
6largecloves garlic,finely chopped
1smallred bell pepper,diced into pieces (capsicum)
4largechicken thigh fillets,boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
4largetomatoes,chopped
½cupdry white wine,(Sauv Blanc, Pinot Gris) optional
Salt and pepper,to taste
12mussels,scraped and cleaned properly
8ozcalamari rings
3¾cupschicken broth,low sodium or stock, or homemade fish stock
2cupsmedium grain,or jasmine rice
½cupfrozen peas
1tspsaffron powder,or saffron threads
1tsppaprika,sweet or smoked
½tspgarlic powder
½tsponion powder
21ozshrimp
2tbspfresh flat leaf parsley,chopped
bell peppers,fire roasted, capsicum, strips

Instructions

Heat oil in a large sized non-stick pan or well seasoned skillet (or a paella pan if you have one), over medium heat. Fry onion, garlic and capsicum together; cook for about 3 minutes until onion is transparent.
Sauté chicken until golden on all sides. Add in the chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 minutes until they release liquid and the tomatoes begin to create a sauce.
Add the wine, mussels, and calamari rings. Allow to cook for a further 5 minutes. Allow the wine to evaporate to half the quantity, then pour in the stock (or broth), rice, peas and saffron. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover to allow most of the liquid to absorb into the rice, while stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking and burning to the pan underneath. Cook until the rice is almost cooked through.
Add in the prawns, mixing them through the rice, and cover again to allow the prawns and rice to cook completely.
Once cooked, sprinkle with the parsley. Place capsicum strips over the top of the paella for enhanced flavour when served. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil over the top before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 653.24kcal
Fat: 35.69g
Saturated Fat: 9.00g
Trans Fat: 0.15g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.76g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.23g
Carbohydrates: 21.61g
Fiber: 3.26g
Sugar: 7.52g
Protein: 55.93g
Cholesterol: 383.67mg
Sodium: 1540.36mg
Calcium: 132.29mg
Potassium: 1193.22mg
Iron: 4.18mg
Vitamin A: 199.61µg
Vitamin C: 41.54mg

Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Paella

When preparing your paella, it's crucial to not stir the rice too much once it starts cooking. This is because the goal is to create a crispy bottom layer, known as the 'socarrat'. This is considered a delicacy in Spanish cooking and is the sign of a well-cooked paella. So, resist the urge to stir and let the rice cook undisturbed for the best results.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Paella

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use a pre-made broth: Save time by using pre-made chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.

One-pot wonder: Consider using a large skillet or paella pan to cook everything in one pot, minimizing cleanup.

Frozen seafood: Opt for frozen seafood to save time on cleaning and preparing fresh seafood.

Multi-task: While the paella is cooking, use the time to clean and organize your kitchen to save time later.

Substitute Ingredients For Classic Spanish Paella Recipe

olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in paella.
onion – Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the paella.
garlic – Substitute with garlic paste: Garlic paste can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh garlic, providing the same flavor without the need for mincing.
red bell pepper – Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers offer a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color, complementing the dish just as well as red bell peppers.
chicken thigh fillets – Substitute with rabbit meat: Rabbit meat can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken in paella, adding a unique taste to the dish.
tomatoes – Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a consistent texture and flavor.
dry white wine – Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine, adding depth of flavor to the paella.
mussels – Substitute with clams: Clams can be used as a substitute for mussels, offering a similar briny flavor and texture to the dish.
calamari rings – Substitute with octopus: Octopus can be used as a substitute for calamari, providing a tender and flavorful seafood element to the paella.
chicken broth – Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding a rich and savory flavor to the paella.
medium grain rice – Substitute with Arborio rice: Arborio rice can be used as a substitute for medium grain rice, providing a creamy texture and excellent absorption of flavors.
frozen peas – Substitute with edamame: Edamame can be used as a substitute for peas, offering a similar pop of color and texture to the paella.
saffron powder – Substitute with turmeric: Turmeric can be used as a substitute for saffron powder, providing a vibrant color and earthy flavor to the dish.
paprika – Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can be used as a substitute for paprika, adding a deep, smoky flavor to the paella.
garlic powder – Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, providing a milder and sweet flavor to the dish.
onion powder – Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for onion powder, adding a savory and aromatic flavor to the paella.
shrimp – Substitute with lobster tail: Lobster tail can be used as a luxurious substitute for shrimp, adding a rich and sweet flavor to the paella.
flat leaf parsley – Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for flat leaf parsley, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
bell peppers – Substitute with pimentos: Pimentos can be used as a substitute for bell peppers, offering a sweet and mild flavor to the paella.

Best Way to Present Classic Spanish Paella

Elevate the paella with a stunning presentation: When plating the paella, consider using a traditional paella pan to showcase the dish's authenticity and heritage. The vibrant colors of the ingredients should be the star of the show, so arrange them artfully and ensure the rice is evenly spread across the pan.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the paella with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The green hues will contrast beautifully with the rich, golden tones of the paella, creating an eye-catching presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers for a touch of elegance: Introduce delicate, edible flowers such as saffron blossoms or pansies to add a touch of elegance to the dish. These floral accents will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a subtle, aromatic essence.
Highlight the seafood: Arrange the mussels, calamari rings, and shrimp strategically on top of the paella, ensuring they are prominently displayed. This will emphasize the premium quality of the seafood and create a visually appealing focal point.
Create a colorful bell pepper garnish: Slice vibrant bell peppers into thin strips and arrange them in a visually appealing pattern on top of the paella. The bright, contrasting colors will add visual interest and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Drizzle with a swirl of high-quality olive oil: Just before serving, add a drizzle of olive oil in a graceful, swirling motion across the paella. This final touch not only enhances the flavors but also adds a glossy sheen to the dish, elevating its overall presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Paella

Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, multipurpose knife for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
Paella pan: A wide, shallow pan with handles, specifically designed for cooking paella.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in the paella.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring out ingredients.
Large non-stick skillet: Can be used as an alternative to a paella pan for cooking the dish.
Spatula: Useful for flipping and turning ingredients while cooking.
Grater: For grating tomatoes or other ingredients as needed.
Tongs: Handy for handling and turning the chicken, seafood, and other ingredients.
Lid or foil: To cover the paella while cooking and allow the rice to steam and absorb the flavors.

How To Store and Freeze Leftover Paella

Let the paella cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy and the flavors from becoming muddled.
Once cooled, transfer the paella to an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, sprinkle a little water or chicken broth over the top of the paella and cover with a lid or foil. Heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If you have leftovers that you won't be able to eat within 3-4 days, you can freeze the paella for longer storage. Transfer the cooled paella to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the paella in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat frozen paella, place it in a covered dish and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out during reheating.
Keep in mind that the texture of the seafood and vegetables may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor of the dish should remain delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Paella

Here are the best methods for reheating leftover classic spanish paella recipe:

Stovetop method: Place the leftover paella in a large skillet or paella pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten the rice and prevent it from drying out. Stir gently to distribute the liquid and heat the paella evenly. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the paella is heated through and the rice is tender. If the paella seems too dry, add a bit more liquid as needed.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover paella to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the paella is heated through and the rice is tender. If the paella seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water before covering it with foil.
Microwave method: While not ideal, you can reheat paella in the microwave if you're short on time. Transfer the leftover paella to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the paella is heated through and the rice is tender. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp and other seafood, as they can become rubbery when reheated in the microwave.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to reheat the paella until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. If the paella has been stored in the refrigerator for more than 3-4 days, it's best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
To add extra flavor and moisture to your reheated paella, consider garnishing it with fresh lemon wedges, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Random Fact About Paella

The classic Spanish paella recipe is a traditional dish originating from Valencia, Spain. It typically includes a combination of chicken, seafood, and rice, flavored with saffron and other spices. The dish is often cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a paellera, which allows the rice to cook evenly and develop a delicious crust on the bottom known as socarrat. This iconic dish is a symbol of Spanish cuisine and is enjoyed by people around the world for its rich flavors and vibrant colors.

Is Making Paella at Home Economical?

The classic Spanish paella recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The combination of chicken, seafood, and rice makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. The cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $35-$40, depending on the availability and prices of seafood and chicken. The rich flavors and variety of ingredients make it a worthwhile investment for a special family dinner. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is Paella Healthy or Unhealthy?

The classic Spanish paella recipe is a delicious and well-balanced dish that incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients. The recipe includes lean protein sources such as chicken, shrimp, mussels, and calamari, which are all low in fat and high in essential nutrients. The dish also features a generous amount of vegetables, including onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and peas, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of olive oil as the primary cooking fat adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish.

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe to lower the overall calorie and fat content
Use low-sodium chicken broth to decrease the dish's salt content
Increase the proportion of vegetables to rice and protein to boost the fiber and nutrient content
Opt for whole-grain rice instead of medium-grain rice to increase the dish's fiber and complex carbohydrate content
Limit the consumption of paella to moderate portion sizes, as it can be calorie-dense due to the rice and protein components

Editor's Thoughts on This Classic Spanish Dish

The classic Spanish paella recipe you've provided is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of saffron, paprika, and a variety of seafood and meats creates a rich and aromatic dish. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a successful outcome. However, I would recommend adding a touch of acidity, such as a squeeze of lemon juice, to brighten the flavors. Overall, this recipe promises to deliver a delicious and authentic Spanish dining experience.

Enhance Your Classic Spanish Paella Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Create a delicious garlic bread with a twist by adding roasted garlic and parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Grilled Vegetables: Prepare a colorful and vibrant platter of grilled vegetables, including zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, seasoned with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.

Fruit Salad: Whip up a refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, and kiwi, drizzled with a honey-lime dressing for a touch of sweetness.

Similar Recipes to Classic Spanish Paella

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty and comforting stew is perfect for a cozy night in. The tender beef and flavorful vegetables create a delicious and filling meal.

Mouthwatering Fruit Salad: This refreshing and colorful fruit salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of sweet and tangy fruits makes for a delightful and healthy treat.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in this rich and creamy pasta dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. The tender chicken and velvety sauce make for a decadent and satisfying meal.

Zesty Lemon Bars: These tangy and sweet lemon bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. The buttery crust and luscious lemon filling create a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Classic Spanish Paella

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to your meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta. Toasted bread topped with a flavorful mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze is sure to impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture of this dessert will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Tiramisu: Savor the layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder in this classic Italian dessert. The combination of flavors and textures in tiramisu creates a truly decadent and satisfying end to any meal.

Why trust this Classic Spanish Paella Recipe:

This authentic Spanish paella recipe is a culinary journey to the heart of Spain. With traditional ingredients like saffron, fresh seafood, and aromatic spices, this recipe captures the essence of Spanish cuisine. The step-by-step instructions ensure a flavorful and visually stunning dish that will transport you to the bustling streets of Valencia. Trust in the rich history and cultural significance of paella, and let this recipe guide you to create a memorable dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine.

Share your thoughts on this classic Spanish paella recipe in the World Cuisines forum section and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

What type of rice should I use for the paella?

I recommend using medium-grain rice for paella, as it absorbs the flavors well and has a nice texture. Arborio rice or Valencia rice are good options.

Can I use seafood and chicken together in the paella?

Absolutely! Combining seafood and chicken in paella is a common practice and adds a delicious variety of flavors to the dish.

How do I know when the paella is cooked through?

The paella is cooked through when the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the seafood and chicken are fully cooked. It’s important to taste the rice to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.

Can I make any substitutions for the saffron?

If you don’t have saffron, you can use turmeric as a substitute. While it won’t have the exact same flavor, it will still provide a nice color and earthy taste to the paella.

What can I serve with the paella?

Paella is often served with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or some grilled vegetables. A glass of Spanish wine or sangria also complements the flavors of the dish nicely.