Authentic Seafood Paella with Mussels, Shrimp, and Saffron

Seafood Paella (Paella de Marisco)
Category: One-Dish Meals
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mussels:
   Begin by thoroughly rinsing the mussels under cold running water to remove any debris or grit. Heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large, wide skillet or a traditional paella pan. Add the mussels and cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure the mussels open up. Once the mussels are open, remove them from the pan and set them aside in a bowl. Strain their cooking liquid through a fine sieve into a separate container, reserving it for later use. Discard any mussels that did not open during cooking.

2. Clean and Prepare the Squid:
   While the mussels are cooking, clean the squid. Start by removing the transparent pen from inside the squid’s body and discarding it. Rinse the squid thoroughly under running water, then cut it into rings about 2 cm in size, ensuring all parts are well-prepared.

3. Prep the Vegetables:
   Peel and finely chop the onion. Cut the chili pepper in half, removing the seeds, and chop it finely. Take the garlic clove, peel it, and cut it in half to remove the germ (the small green part inside) for a milder flavor. These prep steps will ensure your dish is full of balanced, rich flavors.

4. Prepare the Shrimp and Prawns:
   Rinse the prawns and shrimp under cold running water. Using a pair of kitchen scissors, carefully make a small slit along the belly of each prawn and shrimp. This simple step will help the prawns release more flavor as they cook and enhance the overall depth of the dish.

5. Cook the Seafood:
   In the same pan you used for the mussels, heat a small amount of olive oil along with the garlic. Add the prawns and shrimp, cooking them briefly over medium heat until they just begin to turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set them aside. Do not clean the pan, as you will need the delicious leftover flavors for the next steps.

6. Cook the Onion and Squid:
   In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté it over medium-high heat until it becomes soft and translucent. Once the onion is softened, add the squid rings and cook for about 2 minutes, just until they start to firm up. At this point, remove the garlic from the pan, as its flavor has already infused the oil.

7. Add Tomato and Stock:
   Now, pour in the tomato passata, stirring well to combine it with the onions and squid. Next, pour in the hot shellfish stock, followed by the reserved mussel liquid. Stir everything together, then add the saffron and sweet paprika. Stir again to ensure the saffron dissolves fully in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.

8. Cook the Rice:
   Once the liquid is boiling, add the Bomba rice to the pan. Stir to distribute the rice evenly and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as the mussel liquid and shellfish stock will already add some saltiness to the dish. Let the rice cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, uncovered, over medium heat. During this time, the rice will absorb all the delicious flavors and the liquid will reduce. The bottom layer of rice should begin to stick slightly to the pan, which is a sign of a perfect paella.

9. Finish and Serve:
   After the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully arrange the cooked prawns, shrimp, and mussels with their shells on top of the rice. This not only adds a beautiful presentation to your paella but also infuses the top layer of rice with additional flavors from the seafood. Let the paella rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Serve your homemade Seafood Paella hot, garnished with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs, if desired. This dish is perfect for sharing with friends or family, and it pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing sangria.

This Seafood Paella (Paella de Marisco) recipe brings the vibrant, seaside flavors of Spain right to your table. The combination of fresh seafood, rich saffron, and the unique Bomba rice creates a memorable dish perfect for special occasions or a weekend feast with loved ones. The slow cooking process and careful attention to detail ensure that each bite is bursting with flavor and perfect texture. Enjoy every aromatic bite and transport yourself straight to the coast of Spain with this stunning dish.