Easiest Ever Paella Recipe

Introduction

Paella is a vibrant and flavorful Spanish dish that combines rice, seafood, and spices into a comforting one-pan meal. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal steps, perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner.

A large round metal pan filled with yellow rice mixed with green peas, small shrimp, and pieces of brown sausage. The rice looks soft and fluffy, with mushrooms scattered around. Two lemon wedges sit on the right side of the pan. A metal spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the pan, slightly lifting some rice. The pan is on a yellow cloth, which is placed on a white marbled surface with rectangular tiles in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 leek or onion, sliced
  • 110g pack chorizo sausage, chopped
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 300g long grain rice
  • 1l hot fish or chicken stock
  • 200g frozen peas
  • 400g frozen seafood mix, defrosted

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leek or onion and soften for 5 minutes without browning.
  2. Step 2: Add the chopped chorizo and fry until it releases its oils and becomes fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the turmeric and rice, coating the grains with the oils and spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the hot fish or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Step 6: Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Stir in the defrosted seafood mix and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through and the rice is tender.
  8. Step 8: Check seasoning, adjust if needed, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

  • If you don’t have chorizo, substitute with pork or chicken seasoned with 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooked for 5 minutes before adding the rice.

Storage

Store leftover paella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to moisten the rice.

How to Serve

A large round black pan holds a vibrant yellow paella with four visible layers: the base layer is slightly moist yellow rice with hints of saffron, mixed evenly with green peas scattered throughout; the middle layer shows plump shrimp with pink and white colors, nestled alongside slices of brown mushroom and pieces of dark red sausage; the top layer has lemon wedges placed neatly on one side, adding a fresh, bright contrast; a metal spoon with a wooden handle rests inside the pan, ready to serve, all set on a textured yellow cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this paella?

Long grain rice works well here, but you can also use bomba or arborio rice for a more traditional texture. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chorizo and seafood, and increase the peas or add other vegetables like bell peppers and artichokes. Use vegetable stock instead of fish or chicken stock.

Print
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Easiest Ever Paella Recipe


  • Author: Noah
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This easiest ever paella recipe brings a taste of Spain to your kitchen with minimal effort. Featuring a flavorful combination of chorizo, turmeric-infused rice, peas, and a mix of seafood, all cooked together in a single pan for a deliciously aromatic and hearty meal perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 leek or onion, sliced
  • 110g pack chorizo sausage, chopped
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 300g long grain rice
  • 1 liter hot fish or chicken stock
  • 200g frozen peas
  • 400g frozen seafood mix, defrosted

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and soften the leek: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leek or onion and cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned.
  2. Cook the chorizo: Add the chopped chorizo sausage to the pan and fry until it starts releasing its oils and becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add turmeric and rice: Stir in 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 300g of long grain rice. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the oils and turmeric, enhancing the flavor and color.
  4. Pour in the stock and simmer: Pour in 1 liter of hot fish or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add peas and continue cooking: Tip in 200g of frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing them to heat through and integrate into the paella.
  6. Heat seafood through: Stir in 400g of defrosted frozen seafood mix and cook for a final 1-2 minutes until the seafood is heated through and the rice is tender.
  7. Season and serve: Check seasoning taste and adjust if necessary. Serve the paella immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over for added freshness.

Notes

  • Chorizo sausage adds a smoky paprika flavor, but you can substitute with pork or chicken seasoned with 1 tsp smoked paprika if preferred.
  • Do not brown the leek when softening to keep a subtle flavor base.
  • Use hot stock to maintain temperature and ensure even cooking of rice.
  • Stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor as paella can become sticky upon standing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Keywords: paella, Spanish recipe, chorizo, seafood paella, easy paella, one-pan meal, turmeric rice

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