SEAFOOD PAELLA WITH LEMON TOPPINGS - A MEDLEY OF COLOR AND TASTE

(C) CANSTOCKPHOTO

Seafood Paella is a famous dish of Spain. Bursting with varied flavors, this culinary delight packs in a mouth-watering combination of seafood and spices.

History: A classic dish

Paella is a Valencian rice dish that dates back to the ancient times. The recipe originated in its current form around the mid-19^th century near a region called Valencia in Spain.

Paella traces its roots to the 10^th century when the Moors of Moorish Spain started to cultivate rice. The people of the Valencian region began to cook rice with spices and fish for feasts and gatherings. 

By the 15^th century, rice became a staple food in Spain. Cooks started to combine rice with vegetables. People along the coastal areas combined fish with rice for a wholesome meal.

During the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the recipe for Valencian paella underwent a transformation. People began cooking rice with beans, saffron, and various kinds of meat, including water voles, chicken, duck, rabbit, and even snails. The term paella was first used by a local Spanish newspaper in 1840 to describe the popular recipe. On the Mediterranean coast, locals used seafood instead of beans and meat to make seafood paella. Valencian paella and seafood paella are considered to be the authentic forms of the recipe.

During the 20^th century, the recipe gained popularity outside Spain. People started making mixed paella with meat, seafood, vegetables, sausages, and different seasonings. Today seafood paella is a popular recipe across the globe.

Health Benefits: Perfect deal of health and taste

Seafood paella is a versatile dish that combines several ingredients like rice, saffron, olive oil, fish, and a variety of seafood. Its health benefits include:

·         This dish helps to reduce cholesterol as it has Omega 3 fatty acids derived from fish.

·         Seafood enriches the dish with the protein needed for muscle development.

·         The dish gets carbohydrates from rice, which gives energy.

·         Olive oil imparts monosaturated fat which lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Ingredients and Preparation: A spectacular treat

This wholesome recipe can be relished on any occasion. Here is the recipe for this traditional Spanish dish.

·         Preparation Time: 30 min

·         Cooking Time: 30 min

·         Serves: 4 persons

·         Level of cooking: Easy

Ingredients

• ·         Rice: 200g (medium grain)
• ·         King prawns: 1kg (cleaned, peeled and deveined, leaving head and tail intact)
• ·         Seafood stock or chicken stock: 500ml
• ·         Squid hoods: 2 (cleaned and cut into rings of 1cm thickness)
• ·         Black mussels: 1kg (scrubbed)
• ·         Clams: 1kg
• ·         Frozen peas: 150g
• ·         Dry white wine: 125ml
• ·         Onion: 1 (finely chopped)
• ·         Garlic: 2 cloves (crushed)
• ·         Red capsicum: 1 (seeded, finely chopped)
• ·         Tomato: 1 (seeded, finely chopped)
• ·         Mild paprika: 2 teaspoons
• ·         Saffron threads: 1/2 teaspoon
• ·         Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• ·         Parsley: 1/4 cup (chopped coarsely)
• ·         Lemon wedges to serve

Directions

·         In a pan mix wine and saffron over a low flame. Bring to a simmer. Set aside for 4-5 minutes to let saffron infuse.

·         Take a large frying pan and heat oil over medium flame.

·         Add onion, garlic, and capsicum. Cook for 5 minutes or until onion turns soft.

·         Add paprika and tomato. Stir for 1 minute.

·         Add rice, wine mixture, and stock to the pan. Bring to a boil.

·         Reduce flame to low heat.

·         Cook without cover for 15 minutes or until rice turns almost tender.

·         Add prawns, clams, mussels, and squid. Mix lightly.

·         Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

·         Spread the peas. Cover and cook for 3 minutes or until clams and mussels open.

·         Remove from heat. Remove any unopened clams or mussels.

·         Sprinkle parsley.

·         Spread lemon wedges on top.

·         Serve immediately.

Nutrition Info: Check your intake

Each serving contains:

·         Calories: 646.74

·         Carbohydrate: 47g

·         Fat: 11g (Saturated fat 2g)

·         Protein: 84g

·         Sodium: 1835.01mg

This delightful recipe is sure to impress everyone. Why not try it today?