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Golden Catalonia Paella: A Feast of Lobster, Chicken, and Saffron Rice

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Paella a la Catalonia

Cook Time: 1 hour

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Description:
Straight from the cherished pages of “The Art of Spanish Cooking,” this classic dish, Paella a la Catalonia, awaits its turn on your dinner table. Though yet untried, its allure beckons, promising a culinary adventure fit for a lively dinner party. Please note that the cooking time provided is an estimate, subject to the rhythm of your kitchen and the nuances of your ingredients.

Recipe Category: One Dish Meal

Keywords: Lobster, Chicken, Mussels, Short Grain Rice, Pork, Poultry, Rice, Meat, Spanish, European, Weeknight, Oven, Stove Top, Less than 4 Hours, Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 chicken breast
  • 1/4 onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 lobster tails
  • 3 tomatoes
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 pinch of saffron
  • 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 1/2 cups green beans
  • Salt to taste
  • 12 mussels
  • 2 3/4 cups boiling water

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 429.8
  • Fat: 15.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.1g
  • Cholesterol: 51mg
  • Sodium: 718.8mg
  • Carbohydrates: 47.5g
  • Fiber: 3.4g
  • Sugar: 2.9g
  • Protein: 23g

Instructions:

  1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the chicken breast and pork into 1-inch cubes. Finely dice the onion.

  2. In a large skillet or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, pork, and onion, and sauté until they turn crispy and golden brown, infusing the oil with their savory essence.

  3. While the chicken and pork sizzle, prepare the lobster tails. Carefully cut each tail into three pieces, splitting them right through the shell, removing the undershell for ease of consumption.

  4. Introduce the lobster, tomatoes, and minced garlic to the skillet, joining the medley of chicken and pork. Allow the flavors to mingle and dance for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring the seafood is just kissed by the heat.

  5. In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron in 2 tablespoons of boiling water, straining away any remnants. This liquid gold will infuse your paella with its unmistakable aroma and hue, elevating it to gastronomic perfection.

  6. Now, it’s time to add the saffron elixir to the ensemble. Pour it into the skillet, along with the arborio rice, peas, and a sprinkle of salt. Gently stir, ensuring each grain of rice is coated with the golden essence, as if preparing a canvas for a masterpiece.

  7. With precision and care, pour the remaining boiling water into the skillet, submerging the ingredients in a fragrant bath of simmering liquid. Bring the concoction to a vigorous boil over moderate heat, allowing the symphony of flavors to crescendo for approximately 10 minutes.

  8. As the mixture simmers, tenderly stir or shake the pan, preventing any grains of rice from succumbing to the temptation of sticking. Once the initial stage of cooking is complete, cover the skillet tightly, cocooning the precious contents within.

  9. Now, exercise patience as the paella undergoes its final transformation. Maintain a warm, nurturing environment on the stovetop for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is lovingly absorbed, and the rice attains the desired tenderness.

  10. For those equipped with a trusty cast-iron casserole or a steadfast skillet, fear not. These stalwart vessels will hold enough heat to guide the paella through its culinary journey. However, should your pan be of a lighter disposition, consider enlisting the gentle embrace of a low oven set to 300°F to ensure the rice reaches its full potential.

  11. Embrace the versatility of this dish, as it graciously accommodates various cooking vessels. Whether prepared in a traditional paella pan or a trusty skillet, rest assured that each bite will be infused with the warmth and vibrancy of Catalonia.

Additional Notes:

  • This recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, vegetables, or even spices to personalize your paella experience.
  • Serve Paella a la Catalonia with a wedge of lemon for a citrusy burst of freshness, or pair it with a crisp Spanish wine to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
  • Share the joy of cooking and savor the flavors of Catalonia with your loved ones, as every bite of this exquisite dish is a testament to the artistry of Spanish cuisine.

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