Description
A traditional Spanish dish from Valencia, Paella Valenciana is a flavorful rice dish made with chicken, rabbit, and a variety of vegetables, seasoned with saffron and smoked paprika.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups short-grain rice (such as Arborio or Bomba)
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound rabbit meat, cut into bite-sized pieces (or substitute with more chicken)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the bell pepper and green beans, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and saffron, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the rice and stir gently to distribute it evenly. Arrange the chicken and rabbit pieces on top of the rice without stirring.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the paella simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the frozen peas over the top.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a seafood variation, replace the chicken and rabbit with shrimp, mussels, and clams for a delicious seafood paella.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced chorizo to the mix for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg