Super Easy Paella
My dad is from Spain and growing up we had the "real" thing for every holiday. I have been able to serve this to my extended family with no one the wiser and it is A LOT QUICKER AND EASIER than the traditional one and you dont need the Paella pan.
My dad is from Spain and growing up we had the "real" thing for every holiday. I have been able to serve this to my extended family with no one the wiser and it is A LOT QUICKER AND EASIER than the traditional one and you dont need the Paella pan.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 can chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 lb scallops
- 16 ounces stewed tomatoes
- 2 cups parboiled rice (uncle ben's is parboiled)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken
- Carbohydrate 12.25421552954 g
- Cholesterol 192.77675725 mg
- Fat 6.29991008593034 g
- Fiber 2.10589562320024 g
- Protein 45.9175889232267 g
- Saturated Fat 1.19604078093259 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving(s) (457g)
- Sodium 656.462697504017 mg
- Sugar 10.1483199063398 g
- Trans Fat 1.3698519825976 g
- Calories 296 calories
Step-by-step
- Chop the chicken into 1 inch chunks.
- Salt, pepper and garlic powder the meat.
- Brown in oil that has been heated in a large pot such as a Dutch Oven.
- Remove chicken and add peppers, onion, garlic, and cook until soft (about 10 minutes).
- Remove and put with chicken.
- In the same pot, combine, the tomatoes (you may need to cut them depending on the brand) and the liquid with the broth and water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add turmeric and paprika and stir in the rice.
- Add the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover tightly and reduce heat to simmer (low or med low).
- Cook for 30-35 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Add shrimp and scallops be sure to PUSH THEM TO THE BOTTOM UNDER THE RICE.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes uncovered or until the shrimp are pink.
- You may add a can of peas which I dont but it is the traditional way.
My Super Easy Paella: A Family Favorite
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook elaborate meals can feel like a Herculean task. But family traditions are important to me, and Paella, a dish deeply rooted in my family history (my dad is Spanish!), always held a special place in our celebrations. The problem? Authentic Paella is notoriously time-consuming. It requires a special pan, precise timing, and frankly, a level of culinary expertise I don't always have on hand after a long day at the office. So, I adapted.
This recipe is my secret weapon. It delivers all the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of traditional Paella, but it’s so incredibly quick and easy, even a beginner cook can master it. Gone is the specialized paella pan; a simple Dutch oven or large pot works just fine. The result? A delicious, family-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste or tradition. My family loves this quicker version; they honestly can't tell the difference from the more traditional method, and it leaves me with more time to spend with them, rather than slaving over a hot stove.
What makes this recipe so special? It's the balance of flavors – the smoky paprika, the earthy turmeric, the sweetness of the peppers, and the succulent seafood. I also love how adaptable it is. Sometimes I add chorizo for a spicier kick, other times I swap the scallops for mussels, depending on what’s fresh at the market. But the core ingredients always remain the same, ensuring a consistently delicious result. This recipe is a testament to how simple modifications can create a dish that is both authentic and remarkably accessible to the modern-day homemaker. It’s a dish that brings my family together, and that’s what matters most.
The best part? My kids devour it. Often, getting children to try new foods can be a battle, but they gobble this up. It’s colorful, it smells incredible while it simmers, and it has all the textures they love – tender chicken, juicy shrimp, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a win-win: a tasty, quick family meal that honors tradition without the traditional stress.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It's a fantastic weeknight dinner solution, perfect for a casual family gathering or even a special occasion. You’ll be surprised how easily this seemingly complex dish comes together. And most importantly, you'll be creating memories around the table, sharing a taste of tradition, simplified and made to fit perfectly into your busy life. The joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, especially one that evokes cherished memories, is truly priceless.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe has become more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of my own evolution as a cook and a mother. It's a celebration of family, of adapting traditions to fit modern life, and of finding joy in the simplicity of a shared meal. It's a recipe I'll continue to pass down to my children, not just for its deliciousness, but for the story it carries and the connections it forges.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of this quick and easy Paella. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a delicious invitation to savor the moment and celebrate the simple pleasures of life. I promise, it's easier than you think!
