Classic Valencia Paella is a wonderful dish perfect for feeding a houseful of guests! But the extensive list of ingredients, special pan and hours at the stove can be intimidating. Chef Patricia loves to make the original version - slow cooked layer after layer - but she has created an easy version for you to stay cool, and entertain like a master!
Easy Paella:
serves 6-8
Ingredients
6 Chicken Thighs, boneless and skinless
4 Chorizo
1 Tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 cups short grain rice
1 quart chicken broth
1 large pinch saffron threads
1 jar roasted sweet red peppers, drained and sliced thin
1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup frozen Sweet Peas
12 Mussels
12 Clams
2 lbs Large Shrimp, peeled, de veined and cooked
Method:
1. In a deep skillet, over medium heat cook each chicken thigh approximately 3 minutes per side, and the chorizo in the same pan (also about 3 minutes per side) remove from the pan and set aside. These may be cooked ahead, stored in the refrigerator, then used up to 2 days later.
2. Add the oil and rice to the pan and stir to coat the rice with the oil. Pour in the broth, stir in the saffron, lower the heat and cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Cook approximately 20 minutes.
3. Carefully remove the cover (watch for steam!) and stir in the sliced peppers, chopped artichoke hearts and frozen sweet peas. Cook another 5 minutes. At this point, you can remove from heat and allow the dish to cool - then refrigerate for use the next day...or...
4. Arrange the mussels, clams and frozen prepared shrimp on top of the rice, cover the pan and cook over medium heat approximately 8 minutes until the clams and mussels steam open. If you are using the rice prepared the day before - cook the seafood in a saute pan - heat the rice - the assemble the cooked seafood on top.
5. Slice the chicken and sausage and arrange on top of the rice and seafood.
6. Your paella is ready! You can easily make the pieces and assemble later - or cook all together! variations include your favorite vegetables, sliced cooked duck breast, Italian Sausages and cooked lobster meat!
