Today I’m making Paella, the amazing Valencian rice dish infused with aromatic saffron. There are several variations of Paella, that may include chicken, pork, or seafood. It can also be made vegetarian, or a blend of the above.
This paella is all about the seafood. I used shrimp and scallops from my freezer pantry and fresh mussels that I purchased the same day. I did add a link of Andouille sausage, because I love the heat it brings to this recipe.
You don’t need a paella pan to make this dish. A large, nonstick skillet with a cover works just as well. You can find reasonably priced pans on Amazon (like THIS ONE) that will get the job done. If you don’t have a universal lid, you will want to get a pan with a lid.
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Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup minced shallots
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2-1/2 cups gluten free chicken broth, room temperature
- big pinch of saffron
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 tsp. thyme
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric
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- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
- 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup frozen peas, defrosted
- 1 link gluten free Andouille sausage, cut into thin coins
- sprinkle of paprika
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- 8 large raw shrimp, defrosted
- 8 large sea scallops, defrosted
- 1 lb. mussels, scrubbed and rinsed
- fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Rinse the mussels thoroughly under cool water. Discard any that are cracked or remain open after rinsing. Defrost the shrimp and scallops. Peel and devein the shrimp.
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet. Stir in the shallots and cook gently for 1 minute.
Add the rice, stirring to coat with the oil and butter. After 30 seconds add 1/2 cup of white wine.
Stir constantly, allowing the wine to evaporate. When most of the liquid has been absorbed, begin adding the chicken broth 1/2 cup at a time. With the first addition of broth, add the saffron, bay leaves, thyme and turmeric.
Continue adding the chicken broth 1/2 cup at a time. Stir frequently, and when most of the liquid has been absorbed add the next 1/2 cup.
After 20 minutes the rice should be nearly done. Add the garlic, Andouille sausage, and all of the veggies. Sprinkle with paprika and cook for 5-10 minutes.
Don’t add broth after this point, as the veggies and seafood will release their own liquid.
Add the shrimp and scallops at the very end of the cook time, when the rice is done, and veggies are tender.
Stir together and cook for one minute, then add all of the mussels. Cover and cook for 6 minutes or until the mussels open.
(Important: If any mussels do not open, discard them).
To serve, ladle the paella into wide bowls and garnish with parsley.
Notes ♪♫ Saffron is considered the most important spice in a traditional paella. It gives the rice a beautiful golden color and distinctive flavor. Although expensive, I always keep some on hand and use it sparingly in recipes like this one. If you are looking for a more budget friendly alternative, try using turmeric instead of, or in addition to the saffron as I’ve done in this recipe.
