Hey there foodies! Today, I want to share with you my experience of savoring Spain through a delicious classic paella recipe. Paella is one of the most iconic and traditional dishes of Spain, originally from Valencia, and it’s a must-try if you ever visit this beautiful country.
I had the pleasure of trying paella in Valencia a few years ago and it was love at first bite. The flavors, the colors, and the aroma were simply amazing. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself, and after a lot of research and practice, I finally nailed down the perfect recipe.
So, without further ado, here is my classic paella recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup of green beans, trimmed
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– 2 cups of short-grain rice
– 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon of saffron threads
– 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large paella pan or a wide and shallow skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they start to break down.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and green beans, and cook for another few minutes until they start to soften.
5. Stir in the rice, saffron, and smoked paprika, and mix well until the rice is coated in the spices.
6. Add the broth and bring it to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add the frozen peas and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. If the rice is still too hard, you can add more broth or water and cook for a few more minutes.
9. Turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil, and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
10. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side and enjoy!
I hope you give this classic paella recipe a try and savor a little bit of Spain in your own home. It’s the perfect dish for a special occasion, a dinner party, or just a cozy night in. And don’t forget to pair it with a good Spanish wine or sangria for the ultimate experience. ¡Buen provecho!