Seafood Paella
We are all comforted by different things in this world. For me, it’s carbs. NO CARB LEFT BEHIND! One of my favorite rice-heavy dishes to make is seafood paella. Whether you are using a traditional paella pan, cast iron, or non-stick — don’t be intimidated. It’s a major crowd-pleaser with minimal stress!
Ingredients
2 Cups Valencia Rice
4 Cups Seafood Broth
1 Red Bell Pepper
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 Cup Frozen Peas
1/4 Lb Baby Scallops
1/2 Lb Large Scallops (about 8)
1 Lb Large Shrimp, Head on
Instructions:
Dice onion, set aside
Dice the top and bottom off of the bell pepper, set aside
Slice the body of the bell pepper match stick style, trying to keep the same length and width, set aside
In a paella pan or cast iron skillet, turn on medium high heat
Place 1 tsp minced saffron in foil, and fold on all 4 sides to close
Place foil in pan and toast for about 10 seconds, remove from pan
Add 1 tbs olive oil
Make sure scallops and shrimp are pat completely dry, season with salt and pepper
Place large scallops in the pan, making sure there is at least 1 inch between each scallop to prevent steaming
Sear one side for 1 minute, remove from pan to cool
Repeat the searing process for shrimp
In the same pan, add an additional 1 tbs of olive oil
Add diced onion and begin to sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes
Add 1 tbs of unsalted butter
Add 2 cups of Valencia rice evenly throughout the pan and toast for 30 seconds
Add 4 cups of seafood stock, turn heat to high, bring to a boil
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, add in previously toasted saffron
Spread baby scallops, peas, and diced bell peppers evenly throughout the pan
Cover with foil
It takes about an hour to fully cook the paella, so aftee 30 minutes, remove the foil and add the large scallops in the center of the pan
Gently add the shrimp and matchstick bell peppers, one after the other, facing the same direction
Cover the pan with foil, and wait for another 15 minutes
For the final 15 minutes, remove the foil and turn the heat up to medium-high
Once all broth has been completely reduced, where the rice is nearly crispy, turn off the heat and serve immediately
