Best Easy Paella Recipe by Tyler Florence
Paella is a classic Spanish dish that is known for its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines rice, protein, and a variety of vegetables and spices to create a dish that is both satisfying and impressive. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful paella recipe, look no further than Tyler Florence’s version. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon saffron threads
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Saute until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the vegetable mixture. Toast the rice for a couple of minutes until it becomes slightly translucent.
4. Meanwhile, crush the saffron threads with your fingers and dissolve them in a cup of hot chicken broth.
5. Pour the saffron-infused chicken broth into the pan, along with the remaining chicken broth. Add the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the pan, making sure they are submerged in the rice mixture. Cover the pan and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is almost cooked.
7. Add the shrimp, mussels, and frozen peas to the pan. Cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the mussels have opened.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve hot.
Now that you have the recipe, let’s move on to some common questions about making this delicious paella:
1. Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the protein in this paella recipe to your liking. You can substitute the chicken thighs with chorizo, pork, or even a combination of different meats.
2. Can I use a different type of rice?
While Arborio rice is traditionally used in paella, you can also use other short-grain rice varieties like Valencia or Calasparra rice.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken thighs, shrimp, and mussels, and add more vegetables like artichokes, bell peppers, and green beans for a delicious vegetarian paella.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Paella is best enjoyed fresh and straight from the pan. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and then cook the paella just before serving.
5. Can I use frozen seafood?
Fresh seafood is always preferred, but if you can’t find it, frozen seafood can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw it properly before adding it to the paella.
6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish.
7. Can I add other vegetables to the paella?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even artichoke hearts to the recipe.
8. How can I make the paella more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor of the paella by adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables or by using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
9. Can I reheat leftovers?
While paella is best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat leftovers in a skillet with a little bit of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
With this easy paella recipe by Tyler Florence, you can bring the taste of Spain to your kitchen. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish with your family and friends, and let the flavors transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. ¡Buen provecho!