Paella
"it's a melange of fish and meat." - George, Seinfeld
This is my claim to cooking fame so far. It takes quite a bit of prep work, but it's well worth it.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups arborio rice (the kind you make risotto with)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup saffron stock (1/2 cup boiling water and 1 tsp saffron, no need to try dissolving saffron, leave saffron strands in)
- 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp rosemary (or to taste)
- 3 bay leaves
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- veggies (I use zucchini, brocoli, and red peppers cut into bite sized pieces)
- meats (I use 2 chicken breasts, 2 sausages both cut into bite sized pieces)
- shellfish (I use shrimp and mussels pre-steamed for flavour in butter, garlic, green onion, and white wine)
Use a saucepan that can hold all this. (The bigger the better as a deep and small pan won't boil off as fast)
- prepare ingredients
- heat saucepan to medium and add olive oil
- place onion and garlic and fry till slightly brown
- add sausage and brown
- add chicken shortly after sausage and cook through
- add tomato and veggies and steam
- add arborio rice and stir together well
- pour in chicken stock and mix
- pour in saffron stock and mix
- add spices (cayenne, paprika, rosemary, bay leaves, salt and pepper)
- add wine
- bring to low boil and let simmer for 20-30 minutes (stir several times in between)
- uncover and simmer until most of the water is absorbed or boiled off (stir a few times to keep rice from burning to bottom of pan)
- add seafood and steam for 2 minutes if pre-cooked. Steam longer, say 2-4 if not pre-cooked.
- scoop and serve. rice should be a bit mushy like risotto is supposed to be.
Add a sprig of rosemary to garnish
enjoy!