Introducing “Party Paella,” a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations! This recipe brings together a delightful array of ingredients, including succulent seafood, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, all simmered to perfection in a single pan. 🥘
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 chorizo sausages
- 18 shrimp
- 1 pound of mussels
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 5 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of white wine
- 1 pinch of saffron
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup of peas
- 1 cup of diced pimientos
- 1 cup of Arborio rice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your paella gets off to a great start when it hits the heat.
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Prepare the proteins: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo sausages and sauté until the fat is rendered and the chorizo is slightly browned. Remove the chorizo from the skillet and set it aside.
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Brown the chicken: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the chicken breasts. Brown them on both sides until they develop a golden crust. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the chorizo.
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Infuse the broth: In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth along with a pinch of saffron until it’s warm and fragrant. This step allows the saffron to release its beautiful color and flavor into the broth. Set the infused broth aside for later use.
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Prepare the flavor base: In the same skillet you used for the proteins, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and translucent. Then, add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it with the flavorful oils.
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Add the wine and broth: Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly, allowing it to deglaze the skillet and infuse the rice with its rich flavor. Once the wine has mostly evaporated, add the warm saffron-infused chicken broth to the skillet. Season with salt to taste and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
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Simmer and stir: Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced slightly and the rice is almost tender. This process allows the rice to absorb the delicious flavors of the broth and wine.
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Incorporate the vegetables and proteins: Once the rice is almost cooked, add the peas and diced pimientos to the skillet, stirring them into the rice mixture. Then, return the browned chicken and chorizo to the skillet, distributing them evenly.
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Bake to perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, leaving it uncovered. Allow the paella to bake for about 10 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
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Add the seafood: After 10 minutes of baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Gently nestle the shrimp and mussels into the rice mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
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Final touches: Once the paella is done, remove it from the oven. Discard any mussels that haven’t opened during cooking, as they may not be safe to eat. Garnish the paella with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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Serve and enjoy: Bring the skillet to the table and let your guests admire the beautiful presentation before digging in. Serve the Party Paella hot, straight from the skillet, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every mouthful.
With its enticing aroma, vibrant colors, and irresistible flavors, this Party Paella is sure to be the star of your next gathering or dinner party. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the warmth and conviviality that this delicious dish brings. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable memories! 🎉🥂
