6 April 2012

Escaping to the Sunny Side...



in terms of food at least...this horrible weather we are having needs something to perk it up a bit so that's why I made some...Chicken, Chorizo and Prawn Paella...


A Paella is a Spanish dish, from the Valencia Region...I guess you might say it's the Spanish equivalent of a risotto...but as I am neither Spanish or Itallian, I wouldn't want to offend either...so let's just say there are three main types of Paella, Valencian, Spanish and mixed...

The one I made was a mixed one, with both meat and seafood...and an ingredient that I was cooking with for the very first time ever!!! Chorizo...Yes, yes, I know...how could I have never cooked with it before?!? Easy, I was always under the impression (after a  pretty horrible Tapas incident) that it was hot, spicy and horrible!!! Then I had some cooked really nicely...and so now I'm having a go with it! 
So first of all, this dish will serve about 4 people when dished up with some salad and crusty bread...(or 2 very hungry people plus some leftovers!!)...It takes about an hour in total from starting to prep to serving up...and it tastes of sunshine!! One more thing, it's a one pot meal that needs a big pan to cook it in...
Slice and fry about 115g chorizo in a Tablespoon of olive oil...you will see more oil coming out of it, coloured and flavoured with the paprika from the sausage...that's going to be adding to the final flavour of this dish!
...remove from the pan and set to one side, while you get on with browning about 450g of chicken that has been diced...
Set that to one side too...and get yourself a large onion (diced) and a clove of garlic (crushed)...now soften them in the same pan...notice how everything is taking on the colours from the chorizo oil...
...Once the onion and garlic are softened, add a diced red pepper and about 2oz of paella rice per person...so say about 225g in total...ish...cook for about a minute...
...then add 900ml of chicken stock, a good pinch of saffron (don't skimp on the saffron, I know it's not cheap, but it's worth it!) and stir...bring it to the boil...
...simmer on low for 10 minutes or so then add the chicken back into the pan and continue to simmer on low for 10 more minutes...it is important to stir regularly...
...you don't want it to catch on the bottom of the pan!!...then in goes the chorizo...you can see most of the stock has been absorbed by now...keep simmering slowly and stirring regularly for about 5 minutes more...
...then throw in a handful or 2 of frozen peas and a packet of cooked tiger prawns...(you can use raw if you prefer, just fry them in the oil at the start after the chorizo and chicken, so they pick up the lovely smokiness of the paprika scented oil)...cook for a final 5 minutes or until the prawns and peas are heated through properly...
...and finally, serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top...
...a plateful of sunshine colours and flavours to brighten up a dreary day...enjoy xx

2 comments:

  1. Wonderful dish with beautiful colours and must be very tasty too!
    Please pop over to my site there is something for you. Have a lovely Easter. XX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a stunning dish, one that Hubby has asked for again!!! So it must be good!!

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