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Paella Valenciana1

Paella Valenciana: Must-Try Classic Dish

Are you ready to elevate your cooking skills and impress your colleagues with a true Spanish culinary masterpiece? Look no further than Paella Valenciana!This traditional dish from Valencia is more than just a meal – it's a celebration of culture, community, and culinary artistry.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Spanish,, Valencian
Servings 6
Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

  • Paella Pan – Essential for even cooking.
  • Large Spoon or Spatula – For stirring ingredients.
  • Cutting Board & Knife – For prepping vegetables and meats.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
  • Grater – To grate the tomato for extra texture.
  • Stove or Outdoor Burner – Traditional paella is cooked over an open flame.

Ingredients
  

For the Paella:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 tomato grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon saffron threads or turmeric as an alternative
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups short-grain rice Bomba or Arborio rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth or seafood broth
  • ½ pound chicken drumettes or thighs cut into small pieces
  • ½ pound rabbit meat cut into pieces (or more chicken if unavailable)
  • ½ cup green beans wide flat beans
  • ½ cup butter beans lima beans
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup artichoke hearts optional
  • 1 rosemary sprig optional, for authentic flavor
  • 6-8 large shrimp optional, for added seafood flavor
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • Heat olive oil in a paella pan over medium heat.
  • Add chicken and rabbit, sear for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  • Stir in onion, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking for 5 minutes until soft.
  • Add tomato, paprika, saffron, salt, and black pepper, stirring for 2 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  • Pour in rice, stirring to coat with the seasoning.
  • Distribute green beans, butter beans, peas, and rosemary evenly.
  • Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, without stirring, until liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Add Final Touches

  • Place shrimp (if using) and artichokes on top in the last 5 minutes.
  • Once the rice is tender, remove from heat and cover with foil for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

  • Garnish with lemon wedges, serve hot, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
  • Calories: ~580 kcal
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Carbohydrates: ~65g
    • Fiber: ~5g
    • Sugar: ~4g
  • Fat: ~18g
    • Saturated Fat: ~3g
  • Sodium: ~750mg
  • Cholesterol: ~100mg
💡 For a lighter version, reduce the oil and use more vegetables.
Keyword Authentic Paella Valenciana, Festive meal, Spanish rice dish, Summer recipes, Traditional Spanish paella