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Spanish Paella Day: Everything You Need to Make the Best Paella

Spanish Paella Day: Everything You Need to Make the Best Paella

Did you know that today, March 27, is Spanish Paella Day? The unofficial holiday celebrates the world famous dish originating from Spanish cultures. Paella traces it roots back to the city of Valencia and many view it as Spain’s national dish. Today, the much-loved dish is renowned all over the world and has versions in almost every country. Spanish paella comes in different types and can feature vegetables, seafood, and meat (chicken, rabbit, duck, and more). But paella is never complete without its savory seasoning of saffron and its hefty, sticky rice that absorbs all of the flavors of the meat or seafood and vegetables that gets thrown into it.

 

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In celebration of Spanish Paella Day, we have this super easy recipe from Good Housekeeping, which you can serve for lunch or dinner, or at your next party. Here’s what you’ll need:

A pinch of saffron

900 ml of hot chicken stock

125 grams of chorizo, cut into small chunks

1 medium onion, roughly chopped

1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced

2 garlic clove, crushed

300 grams long grain rice

50 ml fino sherry or dry white white

100 grams frozen peas

100 grams cooked tiger prawns

2 tablespoons of chopped parsley

Lemon wedges to add flavor

 

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Here’s how to make that perfect easy paella for Spanish Paella Day, courtesy of Good Housekeeping:

  1. Infuse the saffron in the stock. Grab a wide shallow pan and fry the chorizo for two to three minutes until the oil has melted out and it turns golden. Remove the chorizo, draining out the oil, and set aside.
  2. Add the onion and pepper and cook in the chorizo oil for about five minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute.
  3. Stir in the paprika and cook for a minute. Make sure to stir in the rice so that it gets coated in oil. Add sherry or wine and the saffron stock. Bring this to boil and simmer gently without stirring for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the stock is absorbed.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the peas and prawns. Cover and leave to stand for five minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.

This is just one of the many ways you can make paella for Spanish Paella Day. You can personalize it and add your own favorite meat or seafood. Before you go and try your own, here are some kitchen staples that might help you make the best paella that will be a hit in your next party.

Spanish Paella Day: Everything You Need to Make the Best Paella

1. 365 Everyday Value, Spanish Saffron

Saffron is a must-have when it comes to paella. It is one of the ingredients that gives paella its distinct flavor. But did you know that saffron has antioxidant properties? That’s because it contains antioxidants crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. The red color of saffron comes from crocin and crocetin, which both have antidepressant properties. They are also known to improve inflammation and aid in weight loss because it reduces appetite. Often called the “sunshine spice,” saffron has become known in the medical world as a spice that helps improve mood. Good to know that the saffron in paella will help boost your mood and energy! Shop at Amazon.

2. Niman Ranch Uncured Sausage, Chorizo

Chorizo is also one of the main ingredients of paella, and you’d be hard pressed to find a paella that doesn’t have chorizo in it. This chorizo from Niman Ranch has no artificial flavors or ingredients, no fillers, no nitrates or nitrites, no gluten so you’re sure to get only the best quality with every pack. The pork in this chorizo is from animals that are certified humane raised and handled, and never treated or given antibiotics and added hormones. Shop at Amazon.

3. Organic Orange Bell Pepper, One Medium

Did you know that a single organic bell pepper contains twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C? It’s that good for you! It is also a great source of folic acid, vitamin A, antioxidants, fiber, and iron. While it’s primarily composed of carbohydrates, yellow bell peppers are packed with vitamins, including vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine, vitamin K or phylloquinone, which benefits the bones and blood, and potassium. Your paella will certainly be packed with lots of nutrients, making it a healthy, yummy dish for many to enjoy. Shop at Amazon.

4. 365 Everyday Value, Organic Chicken Stock

The best ingredients make the best dishes. That’s why we go for organic chicken broth that is made from slow-simmered organic chicken, and the savory flavors of organic celery root and carrots. It is seasoned with some sea salt that is not overpowering, so you get flavor that is just right. Shop at Amazon.

5. Lundberg White Rice, Long Grain, Gluten Free, Organic

When making paella, go for rice that is on the sticky side. This white rice from Lundberg is also a great option because it remains fluffy. It’s perfect for stuffings, pilafs, salads, casseroles, and stir-fry dishes and comes in an easily resealable bag. It’s gluten free and organic, so you know you’re only serving what’s best. Shop at Amazon.

Spanish Paella Day: Everything You Need to Make the Best Paella

6. Victoria Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Round Paella Pan with Loop Handles

We believe that the right cooking tools make for the best dishes. If you’re going to make paella, make sure you’re cooking it in appropriate pan. This large cast iron skillet from Victoria features curved dual handles for better leverage and easier handling. It is a pre-seasoned 13-inch cast iron skillet that features 100% Non-GMO Flaxseed Oil for a natural easy-release seasoning that gets better as you use it. It also has pour spouts with drip catchers, making cooking an easy and effortless experience. Shop at Amazon.

7. FAAY Teak Wooden Spoon

Cook in style with this wooden spoon that can stir large quantities of heavy liquids and food items. It is lightweight but durable, making for a great cooking tool. It measures 13.75 inches long, so you can mix and toss easily and comfortably. It is made from sustainably sourced teak from Thailand and does not have any glues or chemical finishes, so your food does not get contaminated. The best part? It won’t scratch or damage your cookware. Shop at Amazon.

8. AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display

Cooking involves precision to get the exact flavor. This digital food scale will not only help you achieve greatness in the kitchen, it will also contribute to better tasting dishes. It features an advanced sensor technology that delivers quick, accurate responses and a rate button that subtracts container weight to zero out the scale and measure only what you want. The display offers weight in ounces, grams, and pounds. Shop at Amazon.

9. Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, Red Graphics, Clear

For the best precision when it comes to cooking, trust only Pyrex, the brand we all grew up with! Its non-porous glass doesn’t absorb stains or odors and is see-through for easy monitoring. This glass is pre-heated oven, microwave, fridge and freezer safe, and dishwasher safe. Shop at Amazon.

10. Spring Chef Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Metal Measuring Spoons for Dry or Liquid

Food prep is hassle-free with these stainless steel metal measuring spoons that are uniquely shaped to fit into spice jars! No more spilling spices and wiping down messy kitchens with these super useful measuring spoons that feature U.S. and metric measurement markings that are easy to read and won’t fade or rub off. Its rectangular shape makes it fit in most spice jars and containers. It stacks up for easy storage as well. Shop at Amazon.

If you loved this feature on Spanish Paella Day, make sure to check out our other kitchen and home improvement ideas in the links below.

Kitchen Essentials for a Fun Weekend Cook Off

10 Kitchen Organizing Ideas That Will Keep You Tidy the Entire Year

What We Love from Oprah’s Favorite Things 2018 for Your Home, Kitchen, and Garden

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