Seafood Paella

How to Make Seafood Paella for Four People

Seafood paella is one of the most iconic dishes in Spanish cuisine, especially popular in the Valencian Community. This delicious dish combines flavors from the sea with characteristic rice, creating a culinary experience that delights everyone. Below is a detailed recipe for preparing seafood paella for four people, including all the necessary ingredients and a step-by-step guide.

Ingredients

To prepare seafood paella for four people, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 400 g of bomba rice or albufera rice
  • 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 large prawns
  • 4 langoustines
  • 200 g of chopped squid
  • 8 mussels
  • 12 clams
  • 200 g of crushed tomato
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1.5 liters of fish broth or fumet
  • 14 strands of saffron
  • Sweet paprika to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Necessary Utensils

  • Paella pan or large shallow skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Pot for heating the broth

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have all the ingredients ready. Wash and chop the vegetables:

  1. Finely chop the onion and garlic.
  2. Dice the red bell pepper.
  3. Clean the mussels and clams under cold water.
  4. Cut the squid into rings.

Step 2: Sauté the Seafood

  1. In a paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the prawns and langoustines. Sauté for 2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the chopped squid and sauté for 3 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Make the Sofrito

  1. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until translucent.
  2. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes.
  3. Add the crushed tomato and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the water from the tomato evaporates.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

  1. Add sweet paprika to the sofrito and mix well.
  2. Incorporate the rice into the sofrito mixture, ensuring each grain is coated with it.
  3. Pour in the hot broth into the pan (make sure it’s hot so as not to interrupt cooking) along with the saffron strands.
  4. Season with salt to taste and bring to a boil.

Step 5: Cook the Paella

  1. Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
  2. Cook for 10 minutes without stirring to allow a crust (socarrat) to form on the bottom.
  3. After 10 minutes, add the prawns, langoustines, mussels, and clams on top of the rice.
  4. Cook for another 8 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

  1. Turn off the heat and cover the paella with a clean cloth or aluminum foil.
  2. Let it rest for 5 minutes so that flavors meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seafood Paella

Can I use another type of rice?
Yes, although bomba or albufera rice is recommended for its ability to absorb liquid without falling apart, you can use other types like long grain or brown rice but adjust cooking times accordingly.

What other seafood can I add?
You can experiment with different seafood such as mussels, clams, octopus, or even white fish like hake or monkfish.

Is it necessary to use saffron?
Saffron is traditional in paella for its characteristic flavor and color; however, if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with food coloring or simply omit it.

How do I achieve a good socarrat?
To get a good socarrat (the golden crust at the bottom), make sure not to stir the rice after adding broth and slightly increase heat during the last few minutes.

Conclusion

Seafood paella is a spectacular dish that can become the star of any family meal or gathering with friends. By following these detailed steps and using fresh ingredients, you can enjoy an authentic Spanish culinary experience at home. Enjoy your meal!