Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella: A Quick Weeknight Meal
Imagine a vibrant, saffron-infused paella alive with the flavors of the Spanish coast. Plump, succulent shrimp mingle with smoky chorizo in a bed of perfectly cooked rice, creating a symphony of textures and a delightful kick of spice. This isn't your grandmother's paella; this Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella is a show-stopping dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal, bringing a taste of sunshine and celebration to even the busiest of evenings. It's a simplified take on the classic Spanish dish, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful dinner. The use of saffron threads adds a touch of authenticity and elevates the flavor profile to new heights. This recipe aligns perfectly with FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com's goal of providing accessible and exciting dishes for everyday cooks. #paella #shrimp #chorizo #spanishfood #weeknightmeal #quickrecipe #easyrecipe #foodie #homemade #delicious
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Oil & Aromatics | Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Yellow onion, finely chopped | 1 small | |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 | |
| Rice & Spices | Paella rice (or Arborio rice) | 1 cup |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp | |
| Saffron threads, crushed | 1/4 tsp | |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | 1/4 tsp | |
| Liquid & Protein | Chicken broth, warmed | 3 cups |
| Pre-cooked chorizo, sliced | 150g | |
| Large shrimp, peeled and deveined | 500g | |
| Finishing Touches | Frozen peas | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon, cut into wedges | 1 | |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp | |
| Seasoning | Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the paella rice, smoked paprika, saffron threads, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the rice and spices.
- Pour in the warmed chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid stirring during this time to allow the socarrat (crispy bottom layer) to form.
- Scatter the sliced chorizo and shrimp over the rice. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Stir in the frozen peas. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Variations:
- Ingredient Substitution: If you can't find paella rice, Arborio rice is a good substitute. You can also use chicken thighs or diced chicken breast instead of shrimp. Consider substituting the shrimp with chicken thighs or diced chicken breast for a different protein option.
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of dry white wine to the pan after sautéing the vegetables for added depth of flavor.
- Socarrat: For a crispier socarrat, increase the heat slightly during the last few minutes of cooking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 550 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 20g |
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Paella with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp dry white wine, such as Albariño, for a complete and satisfying meal. This combination of flavors and textures will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Spain. The Albariño pairs perfectly with the seafood and spices in this paella, enhancing the overall dining experience.
This quick and easy paella recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it's also impressive enough to serve at a gathering with friends and family. So gather your ingredients, put on some Spanish music, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and authentic-tasting paella, all from the comfort of your own kitchen!
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