Autumn Paella With Chicken, Sausage, Shrimp, and Olives

🍂 Autumn Paella 🥘 with Chicken 🍗, Sausage 🌭, Shrimp 🍤, and Olives 🫒

What is it?
Autumn Paella is a delightful Spanish one-pan dish that brings together the rich flavors of the season. It’s a variation of the traditional Spanish paella, adapted to include ingredients typically available during the fall, such as butternut squash and pumpkin.

History:
The original paella, believed to have originated in the Valencia region of Spain, was traditionally made with rabbit and snails. Over time, different regional variations emerged, incorporating local ingredients. Autumn Paella is a modern twist on this classic, using the flavors of fall to create a hearty and comforting meal.

Components:

Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs or breast add depth and flavor.
Sausage: Spanish chorizo or other smoky sausages give the dish a robust, savory taste.
Shrimp: Adds a touch of seafood richness to the paella.
Olives: Green or black olives provide a briny, salty contrast.
Rice: Arborio or Bomba rice is commonly used due to its ability to absorb liquid and flavors.
Vegetables: Butternut squash, pumpkin, and bell peppers are often included in an Autumn Paella.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth serves as the flavorful cooking liquid.
Spices: Saffron, paprika, and thyme are essential seasonings.

Steps to Prepare:

Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken into pieces, slice the sausage, peel and dice the vegetables, and devein the shrimp.
Sear the Chicken and Sausage: In a paella pan or a large skillet, heat some olive oil. Add the chicken and sausage and cook until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté the butternut squash, pumpkin, and bell peppers until they begin to soften.
Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the rice, saffron, paprika, and thyme. Cook for a couple of minutes to toast the rice slightly.
Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the chicken and sausage back into the pan.
Cook Until Almost Done: Let the paella simmer, occasionally stirring. Add more broth if needed. Cook until the rice is nearly done but still has a slight bite.
Add Shrimp and Olives: Gently nestle the shrimp and olives into the paella. Continue cooking until the shrimp turns pink and the rice is tender.
Rest and Serve: Remove the paella from the heat, cover with foil, and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, you can garnish your Autumn Paella with fresh herbs like parsley and lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Time Needed:
Preparation time varies depending on your experience and the number of servings. Generally, it takes about 30-40 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to cook. The total time needed is approximately 1 hour and 15-25 minutes.

Enjoy your delightful 🍂 Autumn Paella 🥘 with Chicken 🍗, Sausage 🌭, Shrimp 🍤, and Olives 🫒! It’s a flavorful dish that captures the essence of fall. 🍁🍂🍽️

Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Autumn Paella with Chicken, Sausage, Shrimp, and Olives. Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

Calories: Approximately 480-550 calories
Protein: Around 25-30 grams
Carbohydrates: Roughly 60-70 grams
Dietary Fiber: About 5-7 grams
Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
Saturated Fat: Around 4-6 grams
Cholesterol: About 60-80 milligrams
Sodium: Roughly 700-800 milligrams
Potassium: Around 500-600 milligrams
Vitamins and Minerals: The dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and various B vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium and iron.

Health Information:

Protein: This dish is a good source of protein, primarily from chicken, shrimp, and sausage. Protein is essential for muscle health and overall bodily functions.
Fiber: The vegetables and rice provide dietary fiber, which is important for digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Healthy Fats: While there is some fat content, especially from the sausage and olive oil, it includes both unsaturated fats (olive oil) and saturated fats (sausage). Consuming unsaturated fats in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
Vitamins and Minerals: Autumn Paella is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which are essential for various bodily functions. It also contains potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have high blood pressure. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth and olives, or by seasoning with less salt.
Calories: The calorie content can vary based on portion size and ingredient choices. If you’re watching your calorie intake, be mindful of portion sizes.

Overall, Autumn Paella can be a nutritious and balanced meal when enjoyed in moderation. It’s a flavorful way to incorporate a variety of protein sources and vegetables into your diet. Remember to consider your specific dietary needs and adjust the recipe as necessary to meet your health goals. 🍂🥘🍗🍤🫒