Scallop Paella is a delightful twist on the traditional Spanish dish, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. With a cook time of just 35 minutes and a prep time of 5 minutes, this recipe comes together in a total of 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for those busy days when you still crave something homemade and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 1 green pepper
- 1 red pepper
- 1-2 slices of bacon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Rice:
- In a heavy, medium-sized saucepan with a tight-fitting cover, combine 2 1/4 cups of cold water with the rice, 1 tsp salt, the thyme, and 1 tbsp of butter.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, uncovered.
- Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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Cook the Scallops:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until it just begins to turn translucent.
- Add the sea scallops to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
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Add Peppers and Bacon:
- To the skillet with the scallops, add the green and red peppers.
- Sauté the peppers along with the scallops, stirring occasionally, until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
- While sautéing, you can also add in 1-2 slices of bacon for extra flavor, diced and cooked until crispy.
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Combine and Simmer:
- Once the peppers and scallops are tender, add the cooked rice to the skillet.
- Stir everything together gently to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve:
- Once the paella is ready, remove it from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Scallop Paella!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 361.2
- Fat Content: 7.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 56mg
- Sodium Content: 487mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 46.1g
- Fiber Content: 2.1g
- Sugar Content: 3.6g
- Protein Content: 26.5g
This Scallop Paella recipe serves ___, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering of friends. With its vibrant colors, flavorful ingredients, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy this delightful dish any day of the week for a taste of Spain right in your own kitchen! 🥘🌟
