A large, shallow saffron-tinted pan dotted with a myriad of vibrant ingredients: generously scattered sunset-orange shrimp intertwined with succulent slightly charred chicken chunks and rose-hued chorizo slices. Pops of vibrant greens from peas and red bell peppers, soften the heavy color palette. The dish is garnished with lemon wedges on the sides for a final touch.

Festive Paella Valenciana

Name: Festive Paella Valenciana
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: Saffron threads, 1 pinch None; Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, 6 None; Large shrimp, 12 peeled and deveined; Spanish chorizo, 1/2 pound sliced; Arborio rice (or Spanish paella rice), 2 cups None; Green peas, 1 cup None; Red bell pepper, 1 diced; Garlic cloves, 4 minced; Chicken broth, 4 cups None; Olive oil, 1/4 cup None; Salt and pepper, to taste None; Lemon wedges, for garnish None

Category Main Course

Prep 20 minutes

Cook 50 minutes

Style Spanish

Technique Sauté

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily Recipe: October 12, 2023

Celebrating Spanish National Day in the heart of New York City with a festive Spanish dish, Paella Valenciana. A celebration of Spanish flavors with a vibrant collage of ingredients such as seafood, meat and colorful vegetables, each lending its unique essence. Paella is a staple of Spanish cuisine and has prevailed as an iconic representation of the country’s culinary prowess.

Ingredients (for 6)

Saffron threads - 1 pinch
Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 6
Large shrimp - 12 - peeled and deveined
Spanish chorizo - 1/2 pound - sliced
Arborio rice (or spanish paella rice) - 2 cups
Green peas - 1 cup
Red bell pepper - 1 - diced
Garlic cloves - 4 - minced
Chicken broth - 4 cups
Olive oil - 1/4 cup
Salt and pepper - to taste
Lemon wedges - for garnish

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍗 🌶️ 🍳

Sauté the chicken thighs and Spanish chorizo slices in olive oil until browned, then remove them to a plate.
Step 2 - 🍤 🍳 🍽️

Using the same pan, stir fry the peeled and deveined shrimp until they turn pink, then move them to the same plate.
Step 3 - 🍲 🌶️ 🌱

Sauté the minced garlic in the remaining oils until just brown. Add diced red bell pepper and green peas, stirring until tender.
Step 4 - 🍚 🥘 👨‍🍳

Stir in the Arborio or Spanish paella rice, coating all grains in the oil. Then, add a pinch of saffron threads.
Step 5 - 🐔 🥘 🔥

Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6 - 🍗 🌶️ ⏲️

Return the sautéed chicken and chorizo to the pan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 7 - 🍤 🥘 ⏲️

Nestle the cooked shrimp into the pan, cover it, and let it cook for a further 10 minutes until the rice is tender.
Step 8 - 🍋 🥘 ⏳

Allow the paella to rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with lemon wedges and serving.

Additional

Traditionally, paellas are not stirred after the stock is added, unlike risotto. Resisting the urge to stir might be a challenge, but it's your key to a perfect Paella with a delightful 'socarrat' (slightly toasted, caramelized rice crust at the bottom). You can add mussels, clams, or a variety of vegetables to suit your taste. This dish can also be a fun interactive cooking experience for kids, letting them place and decorate their seafood!