Authentic Spanish Paella Recipe – Traditional Rice Dish

Spanish Paella – Spanish Paella is a vibrant, flavorful rice dish that captures the heart of Spanish cuisine and Mediterranean living. Originating from Valencia, a coastal city on Spain’s eastern shore, paella is a dish that celebrates fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the joy of communal dining. Traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan known as a “paellera,” this dish beautifully combines saffron-infused rice with seafood, chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Active Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cuisine: Spanish
Course: Main Course
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Equipment

• Paella pan or wide shallow skillet

• Wooden spoon

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Mixing bowls

• Ladle

Ingredients

For the Paella Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 8 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin removed)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 2 medium tomatoes, grated or finely chopped

• 2 cups Spanish short-grain rice (like Bomba or Calasparra)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 cups chicken broth (warm)

For the Toppings:

• 10 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 8 mussels, scrubbed and cleaned

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon wedges, for garnish

Nutrition Facts

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Base

1. Heat olive oil in a paella pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.

4. Stir in the bell peppers and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.

5. Add grated tomatoes and smoked paprika. Cook until the mixture thickens and the flavors deepen — this forms your sofrito, the flavor base of paella.

Step 2: Add the Rice and Broth

1. Stir the rice into the pan, coating each grain with the tomato mixture.

2. Pour in the warm chicken broth along with saffron (and its soaking water).

3. Season with salt and pepper, then gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.

4. Arrange the browned chicken pieces over the rice.

5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Pro Tip: Do not stir once the broth is added — this helps create the crispy bottom layer called socarrat.

Step 3: Add Seafood and Vegetables

1. When the rice is about halfway cooked (after 15–20 minutes), nestle the shrimp and mussels into the pan.

2. Scatter frozen peas over the top.

3. Continue cooking without stirring until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender (another 15 minutes).

4. If needed, drizzle a little extra broth around the edges to prevent drying out.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Once the rice is done and the bottom is slightly crisp, remove the pan from the heat.

2. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes — this allows the flavors to settle.

3. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

4. Serve hot directly from the pan, family-style.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Spanish Paella

• Use short-grain rice: Long-grain rice won’t absorb flavor the same way; Bomba or Calasparra rice is ideal.

• Avoid stirring: Once the broth is added, let it cook undisturbed to form the crust.

• Use real saffron: It gives the dish its authentic golden color and unique aroma.

• Cook evenly: If possible, cook paella over an even heat source like a grill or flat stovetop.

• Don’t overload with ingredients: Balance is key — paella should be colorful but not crowded.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Mediterranean flavors

• Perfect combination of seafood, chicken, and rice

• Great for parties and family gatherings

• Balanced, nutritious, and deeply satisfying

• A complete one-pan meal

Conclusion

Spanish Paella is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of Spain’s culinary heritage and the joy of communal dining. The blend of fragrant saffron rice, fresh seafood, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. While it may take a little time and patience to prepare, the result is absolutely worth it — a colorful, aromatic, and deeply satisfying dish that brings people together around the table.