Shrimp paella is a classic Spanish dish renowned for its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and hearty ingredients. Originating from the Valencia region of Spain, paella traditionally combines saffron-infused rice with a variety of seafood, including shrimp, along with vegetables and aromatic spices.

This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or special occasions where you want to impress with a taste of Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Paella:

• 1 cup Arborio rice (or Spanish bomba rice)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Shrimp Paella

Marinate the Shrimp:

In a bowl, combine peeled and deveined shrimp with minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the other ingredients.

Prepare the Broth:

In a saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth until simmering. If using saffron threads, add them to the broth to infuse the flavor and color. Keep the broth warm over low heat.

Cook the Vegetables:

In a large, shallow pan (traditional paella pan or a wide skillet), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add the Rice and Spices:

Stir in Arborio rice (or Spanish bomba rice) and smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is well coated with the oil and spices.

Pour in the Liquid:

Deglaze the pan with dry white wine (if using), stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Pour in the warm chicken or vegetable broth, stirring gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. Bring to a simmer.

Cook the Paella:

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the paella simmer gently, without stirring, for about 15-20 minutes. Rotate the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Add the Shrimp and Peas:

Nestle the marinated shrimp into the rice mixture, arranging them evenly across the pan. Scatter frozen peas and diced tomatoes over the top.

Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid stirring to allow the socarrat (crispy bottom) to form.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the paella from heat and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Chef’s Note

Traditional paella is cooked over an open flame or outdoor grill to achieve a smoky flavor and develop a crispy socarrat at the bottom of the pan. If using a stovetop, adjust by carefully monitoring the heat to avoid burning the rice.

Customize your paella by adding other seafood like mussels or clams, or substitute chicken or chorizo for a different variation.

Use high-quality saffron threads for authentic color and flavor in your paella. If saffron is unavailable, you can substitute with turmeric for a similar yellow hue.

Nutritional Value

(Nutritional values are approximate and per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg

Enjoy the delightful flavors and aroma of shrimp paella, where tender shrimp and saffron-infused rice come together with vegetables and spices to create a satisfying and comforting dish.

Serve shrimp paella as a main course for family dinners or as a centerpiece for festive gatherings, and savor the essence of Spanish cuisine in every bite.

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