Irresistible Spanish Paella: A Flavorful Celebration Recipe

Name: Spanish Paella
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups Bomba or Arborio rice; ½ tsp saffron threads; 4 bone-in chicken thighs; 1 lb seafood medley (shrimp, mussels, calamari); 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup peas; 2 tsp sweet paprika (smoked preferred); Lemon wedges for serving

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

February 1, 2026

Updated:

February 1, 2026

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The aroma of sizzling seafood mingled with saffron wafts through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Spanish paella isn’t just a dish; it’s a vibrant celebration on your plate, bursting with flavors and colors that captivate the senses.

Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon in Spain, and friends gather around a massive pan of paella, laughing and sharing stories as they enjoy every bite. This delightful dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, promising an explosion of taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spanish paella recipe brings together simplicity and flavor without any fuss
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a stunning centerpiece
The vibrant hues of saffron and fresh ingredients make it visually captivating for any occasion
Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home

Sharing this delightful dish at my last family reunion sparked laughter and joy, with my uncle declaring it “the best thing since sliced bread.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Short-Grain Rice: Use Bomba or Arborio rice for a creamy texture that absorbs all those amazing flavors.
Saffron Threads: This luxurious spice adds depth and color; invest in quality for the best results.
Chicken Thighs: Opt for bone-in thighs for juiciness; they hold up beautifully during cooking.
Seafood Medley: A mix of shrimp, mussels, and calamari brings the ocean’s essence right to your table.
Bell Peppers: Choose colorful varieties like red and yellow for sweetness and visual appeal.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base—don’t skimp on these!
Chicken Broth: A rich broth enhances the overall flavor; homemade is best if you have time!
Peas: These green gems add freshness and contrast against the rich rice.
Paprika: Sweet paprika gives warmth and depth; I prefer smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Lemon Wedges: Serve with wedges on the side to add a zesty brightness when served.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for spanish paella

How to Make Spanish Paella

Prepare your ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting. Chop onions, bell peppers, and garlic to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large paella pan over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, browning them until golden on all sides—about 5-7 minutes.

Add aromatics: Toss in chopped onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant—this should take around 2-3 minutes—watch those beautiful colors develop!

Add rice: Stir in short-grain rice along with smoked paprika. Mix well to coat each grain with oil for about 1 minute.

Pour in broth: Carefully add chicken broth and saffron threads. Bring to a simmer while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.

Add seafood: Gently place shrimp, mussels, and calamari atop the rice mixture. Ensure they’re nestled in so they cook evenly—cover tightly for 10-12 minutes.

Add veggies: Finally, sprinkle peas on top. Let everything steam together for another 5 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and rice is tender yet firm.

Now that you have crafted this delicious Spanish paella, serve it straight from the pan at your next gathering! Your guests will love digging in together while savoring every flavorful bite.

You Must Know

Spanish paella is not just food; it’s a celebration!
The vibrant colors and rich aromas create a feast for the senses
Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings, making every meal feel special
Prepare for compliments that will last long after the dishes are cleared

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing your proteins in olive oil to build flavor, then add rice and broth to simmer beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out seafood for chicken or add roasted vegetables for a twist on tradition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, reheating gently on the stove.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To ensure that your Spanish paella turns out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips
First, use short-grain rice for the best texture
Second, let your saffron bloom in warm water before adding it to enhance its flavor
Finally, avoid stirring once you add the broth to achieve that sought-after socarrat at the bottom

Sometimes cooking feels like an Olympic sport, but when I made my first paella, my friends transformed into cheerleaders! The joy was contagious.

FAQ

What type of rice is best for Spanish paella?

Use short-grain rice like Bomba or Calasparra for optimal absorption and texture.

Can I use frozen seafood in my paella?

Yes! Just thaw it before cooking but don’t overcook to maintain tenderness.

How do I achieve the perfect socarrat?

Let the paella rest without stirring after simmering for that crispy bottom layer.

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