Paella is a famous rice dish originally from the Valencia region of Spain. It's one of the most recognisable dishes in Spanish cuisine. Most Paellas have rice, saffron, vegetables and meat or seafood. Paella is traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a paella pan over an open fire. The rice is simmered in broth with saffron and other ingredients until cooked through giving it a delightful complex flavour.

How To Make Paella

Seafood Paella is often the most famous version of the dish. The following recipe creates a flavorful seafood paella with shrimp, mussels, and calamari, perfect for a delicious and impressive dinner.

Ingredients:

• Rice, 2 cups (400g) short-grain rice (Bomba or Valencia rice preferred, but any short or medium-grain rice will work) and 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Sofrito (flavour base):
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Seafood and Stock:
• 4 cups (1 litre) fish stock
• ½ tsp saffron threads, steeped in 2 tbsp hot water
• ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional)
• 250g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200g mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 200g squid rings or calamari, cleaned and sliced
• Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Stock and Saffron: In a saucepan, bring the fish stock to a simmer. In a separate small bowl, steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of hot water for at least 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Rice: Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and diced red pepper, and cook for another minute. Add the smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release the fragrance.
3. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the oil and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to toast the rice slightly.
4. Add Liquids and Saffron: Pour in the white wine (if using) and cook until it evaporates, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the simmering fish stock and the saffron water along with its threads. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer the Rice: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan tightly, and simmer the rice undisturbed for 15-18 minutes. Do not peek or stir the rice during this time.
6. Add Seafood: After 15-18 minutes, check the rice. It should be almost cooked through, with most of the liquid absorbed. If the rice is still too firm, add a few tablespoons of hot water or extra stock. Arrange the shrimp, mussels, and calamari on top of the rice in a decorative pattern. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Finish Cooking: Increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, the mussels have opened, and the rice is cooked through.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the paella rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid.

What To Serve With Paella

Paella can be served as a main dish in itself, thanks to the rice and vegetables. However, adding side dishes can really elevate your guests’ dining experience. Crusty bread like a baguette is always a welcome addition to a paella meal. It can be used to soak up flavourful juices or simply to enjoy alongside the paella, and served easily in a bread basket. Wine is the go-to drinking pairing for this meal and we have plenty of classic wine glasses for both red and white wine.

For a lighter option, add a simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavours of paella. We have salad spinners and salad tongs to make the preparation process easy. Roasting bell peppers also add a vibrant pop of colour and sweet taste to your meal. Grilled artichokes are also a great choice as they add a touch of elegance and a unique flavour profile that complements the seafood or chicken in paella.

If you want to stay with the authentic Spanish spread, why not go for a full Spanish Tapas buffet? Here are some examples of classic Tapas dishes that can be served alongside the Paella: Aceitunas (olives) are a constant presence on tapas menus, with various types of marinated olives offering a range of flavours and textures. Another classic is Pan con tomate, which is a simple yet delicious toasted bread rubbed with garlic and tomato and drizzled with olive oil.

Plating Up Paella

You’ve done the hard part, you’ve cooked your Paella to perfection and now you’re looking for the best way to serve it. Lucky for you, we have several of our best-selling crockery collections on a Multi-buy offer for March! Academy Fusion has a fantastic offer at the moment, and we’ve recently added three new ranges, expanding the already endless options for plating. Take a look at our new Canvas, Serenity and Surf crockery for reliable and stylish serving options.

Several of the colourways from Genware Terra Tableware are also on offer. Why not go for Aqua Blue, featuring a unique reactive glaze and taking inspiration from the ocean, perfect to pair with seafood Paella? For more of a statement background, take a look at the Cinder Black range, the darker colourway will help bring to life the bright and eye-catching colours of the Paella and its side dishes. Genware’s Terra Tableware collection is also microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer safe, and these products have been designed for the hospitality industry.

For your side Tapas dishes, we also have you covered. Terrocata makes a fantastic choice for tapas. Made from clary, these distinctive brownish orange dishes are synonymous with Spanish tapas. We have several different sizes and shapes to suit your presentation needs, from smaller 2.5” dishes to 6” tapas dishes. We also have an entire collection of tapas cutlery to fit in with these smaller menus and platters.

Paella Prep With Cooksmill

Paella’s might seem daunting, but with the right equipment and ingredients, it’s easy! Here at Cooksmill, we have everything you need to perfect your Paella. Impress your guests and customers and bring a taste of the Spanish seaside to your establishment with an impressive Paella, and enjoy fast, free shipping on orders over £60 (excluding VAT).