Description
Spanish coastal charm meets Barefoot Contessa sophistication in this shrimp paella. Saffron-infused rice, succulent shrimp, and robust spices create a Mediterranean masterpiece that transports palates straight to Spain’s sun-drenched shores. You’ll savor each aromatic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 C bomba (paella) rice
- 1 C frozen peas
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 C chopped red bell pepper
- ½ C chopped sweet onion
- ⅓ C chopped scallions
- ⅔ C chopped tomato
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp minced parsley
Spices and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup clam broth
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by heating 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a foundation for developing rich flavor profiles.
- Introduce chopped red bell pepper, sweet onion, scallions, and bomba rice into the heated oil. Gently sauté the ingredients for approximately three minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their aromatic essences.
- Elevate the dish’s complexity by incorporating ground turmeric, paprika, saffron threads, minced garlic, and salt. Continue stirring to ensure even distribution and allow the spices to bloom, releasing their intense fragrances for an additional three minutes.
- Gradually pour in the clam broth and vegetable broth, increasing the heat to trigger a rapid boil. Maintain the boiling state for three minutes, continuously stirring to prevent ingredient adhesion to the pan’s surface.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid. Refrain from stirring during this phase, permitting the rice to cook undisturbed for approximately five minutes while maintaining a slight moisture content.
- Carefully distribute frozen peas and raw shrimp across the rice’s surface. Create a sealed environment by covering the pan with aluminum foil, trapping steam and promoting even cooking.
- After ten minutes, evaluate the dish’s readiness by checking liquid absorption and ensuring the shrimp have transformed to a vibrant pink color with a tender texture.
- Conclude the culinary preparation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant visual and flavor dimension. Serve immediately while the paella remains piping hot, ready to delight diners with its complex and aromatic profile.
Notes
- A well-seasoned paella pan or large cast-iron skillet guarantees the most authentic cooking surface and flavor development.
- Fresh parsley provides a vibrant, herbaceous finish that cuts through the dish’s rich complexity.
- Avoid stirring during the final cooking stage to create the prized crispy rice bottom called “socarrat”.
- Sustainable, wild-caught shrimp elevates the overall taste and brings premium quality to your seafood paella.
- Combining clam and vegetable broths adds deep maritime depth and nuanced oceanic undertones.
- Carefully controlling heat – starting with medium-high and finishing with gentle simmering – ensures perfectly cooked rice without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg