Slow-cooked paella is a traditional Spanish dish that combines a variety of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. Originating from the region of Valencia, paella is a rice-based dish known for its aromatic saffron, rich broth, and assortment of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Slow-cooking the paella allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a deeply flavorful and comforting meal.
At the heart of slow-cooked paella is the rice, typically a short-grain variety like bomba or Calasparra. These types of rice absorb the flavors of the broth while retaining their shape and texture, creating a satisfying bite. The rice is cooked slowly and gently in a wide, shallow pan called a paellera, which allows for even heat distribution and promotes the formation of the coveted socarrat, a crispy and caramelized layer of rice at the bottom of the pan.
Serves: 6-8
ALLERGIES:
- Sf (Shellfish)
- Gf (Gluten)
- Df (Dairy)
- Ef (Egg)
- Nf (Nuts)
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 5 tbsp. coconut oil
- 2 chopped garlic clove
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- Salt
- 1 tsp. sweet paprika
- A pinch of saffron
- 4 cleaned small squid, sliced
- 2 cups medium-grain brown rice
- 3 cups fish or chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 12 jumbo shrimps
- 16 mussels, scrubbed and debearded
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Put ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover, and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
SERVING:
When serving slow-cooked paella, there are a few key considerations to ensure an enjoyable dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve from the Pan: Slow-cooked paella is traditionally served directly from the paellera, the wide, shallow pan in which it was cooked. This allows guests to appreciate the visual appeal of the dish and the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Place the paellera in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
- Individual Plates: Provide each guest with individual plates or bowls for serving the paella. This allows them to portion out their desired amount and ensures that everyone gets a taste of all the delicious components, including the flavorful rice, meats, seafood, and vegetables.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve the paella with wedges of fresh lemon on the side. Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the paella just before eating adds a bright and tangy element that complements the flavors of the dish. Guests can adjust the acidity to their preference.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish the paella with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives. Not only do the herbs add a pop of color, but they also provide a fresh and aromatic touch that elevates the overall presentation and taste of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Paella is often enjoyed with crusty bread, such as a baguette or rustic loaf. The bread can be used to sop up the flavorful broth and juices from the paella, allowing guests to enjoy every last bit of the delicious dish.
- Wine Pairing: Consider serving a Spanish wine alongside the paella to complement the flavors. A crisp white wine like Albariño or a medium-bodied red wine like Tempranillo can be excellent choices that enhance the dining experience.
- Tapas and Starters: If you’re looking to create a complete Spanish-themed meal, you can start with some tapas or small plates before serving the paella. Options like Spanish olives, Manchego cheese, patatas bravas (fried potatoes), or Spanish tortilla (potato and egg omelette) can set the stage for the main event.
Remember, paella is meant to be a shared and convivial meal, so encourage your guests to savor the flavors and enjoy the experience together. As they enjoy the aromatic rice, tender meats, and succulent seafood, they can take part in the communal spirit of this classic Spanish dish.
With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, slow-cooked paella is a dish that not only satisfies the appetite but also brings people together to celebrate good food and good company.
