Authentic Seafood Paella: A Taste of Spain at Home
Create Delicious Seafood Paella Effortlessly
For a special occasion or just a delightful meal, you can now create a stunning paella at home using just a seafood paella seasoning mix! It’s surprisingly simple to make and results in a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Experience the perfect blend of fresh seafood and fragrant rice that will transport you straight to Spain.
Main Ingredients
- 300g Arborio rice (approx. 1.5 cups): Wash and soak for 30 minutes before cooking.
- 200g Frozen seafood mix: For a variety of oceanic flavors.
- 11 Fresh shrimp: Peeled and deveined for a cleaner taste and texture.
- 7 Whole garlic cloves: Essential for creating an aromatic base.
- 4 Dried red chilies (peperoncino): Adds a mild heat to balance richness. Adjust to your preference.
- 2 Medium onions: Sliced to add sweetness and depth.
- 3 Ripe tomatoes: Blended to create a vibrant, fresh tomato base.
- 1 Packet Seafood Paella Seasoning: The secret to authentic paella color and flavor!
- Olive oil, as needed: For sautéing and building flavor.
- Salt, to taste: For final seasoning.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the rice. Rinse 300g of Arborio rice thoroughly and let it soak in water for 30 minutes. This step helps the rice absorb flavors better and results in a fluffier texture.
Step 2
Next, thaw the seafood. Place the frozen seafood mix and shrimp in cold water to defrost completely. This can be done about 15 minutes before cooking, or you can let them thaw along with the rice for 30 minutes. Ensure the seafood is well-drained after thawing.
Step 3
Thinly slice the 7 whole garlic cloves. These will be sautéed to release their aromatic oils.
Step 4
Slice the 2 medium onions into rectangular pieces, about 0.5 cm thick, ensuring they’ll integrate well into the paella.
Step 5
Remove the cores from the 3 ripe tomatoes, chop them into manageable pieces, and blend them in a blender until smooth. You’re creating a fresh tomato puree.
Step 6
To build a flavorful foundation, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and dried chilies. Sauté gently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
Step 7
Once the garlic is aromatic, add the sliced onions to the pan. Cook until the onions become translucent and start to soften, releasing their natural sweetness.
Step 8
Pour in the blended tomato puree and
Step 9
cook for just 1-2 minutes until the sharp, raw tomato smell dissipates and the mixture thickens slightly. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a separate bowl. This step significantly deepens the paella’s flavor profile.
Step 10
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and
Step 11
add the thawed seafood mix and shrimp. Sauté quickly, cooking them only about 70% through. This is crucial to prevent them from becoming tough when cooked with the rice later.
Step 12
Remove the partially cooked seafood from the pan. Add the drained soaked rice, the previously sautéed vegetables, and the entire packet of seafood paella seasoning to the pan.
Step 13
Stir everything together with a spatula, coating the rice grains with the seasoning and vegetables. Cook for a minute or two. Now is the time to season with salt to taste, adjusting according to the saltiness of the seasoning mix. Mix well.
Step 14
Arrange the 70% cooked seafood back into the pan, distributing it evenly. Placing the shrimp attractively on top can make the dish even more visually appealing.
Step 15
Cover the pan and cook over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has evaporated. Do not stir the rice during this time; allowing it to form a slight crust at the bottom (socarrat) adds wonderful texture and flavor. Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy, your delicious seafood paella is ready to be enjoyed!
