Delicious Weeknight Seafood Paella – A Quick and Easy Meal for Seafood Lovers

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s a one-pan meal that combines rice, seafood, and vegetables, making it a complete and balanced dinner. While it’s often associated with special occasions and lengthy preparation times, it’s possible to make a quick and easy version for weeknights.

Seafood paella is a popular variation that showcases the freshest catch of the day. It’s a perfect dish for seafood lovers who want to enjoy their favorite ingredients in a new way. The key to a successful seafood paella is to use a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, mussels, and crab, and to cook the dish over high heat to get that signature crispiness on the bottom.

Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious weeknight seafood paella:

Ingredients:

1 cup of Spanish short-grain rice
2 cups of seafood stock
1 cup of diced tomatoes
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp of saffron threads
1 tsp of smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb of mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels, crab)
1 cup of frozen peas
2 tbsp of olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:

In a large, deep skillet or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they release their juices, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the saffron threads, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
Add the rice and cook, stirring, until it’s evenly coated with the tomato mixture, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the seafood stock and bring to a simmer.
Add the mixed seafood and frozen peas, arranging them evenly on top of the rice.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Let the paella sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
This delicious weeknight seafood paella is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. With its bold spices, crisp textures, and fresh seafood, it’s the perfect dish for a special weeknight dinner. Enjoy!