Paella
“What wonders one pot can hold; a whole, nutritious meal cooked and sometimes served in one pot, perfect for the busy lives many of us lead. Then there's the bonus of less washing up to do at the end.”
- 1.5 litres fish or chicken stock
- 1 pinch saffron
- 100ml olive oil
- 2 medium spanish onions, finely sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground white pepper
- 125g spicy sausage or salami, finely sliced
- 500g calamari, cut into strips
- 2 red capsicums, finely sliced
- 150g green olives
- 450g paella or risotto rice
- 1kg mussels, cleaned and bearded
- 1 cup shredded parsley
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, pips removed
Paella takes its name from the pan that it is cooked in. It should be shallow with a flat base so the rice cooks evenly. Not stirring once the rice is added helps to achieve soccarat - a golden crust on the bottom of the pan. Another trick is not to wash the rice.
Method
Heat stock and saffron in a saucepan.
Heat olive oil in a paella pan and cook the onions and garlic until soft, for about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add sausage and cook 5 minutes. Add calamari and cook 5 minutes.
Add capsicum and olives and stir to combine. Sprinkle rice over evenly.
Add mussels and
pour over hot stock. Cover and allow to simmer for 30 minutes or until
rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
Remove lid, discard any unopened mussels and garnish with parsley and lemon.
Serves 6
