New Nordic Paella

Ingredients

While the Spanish paella typically includes ingredients like saffron, chorizo, and seafood, this New Nordic version embraces the use of local Nordic ingredients such as root vegetables, foraged mushrooms, and Nordic grains. The flavors are lighter and more delicate, showcasing the essence of the Nordic region. We alse have the original recipe for Paella, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil 1 tablespoon rapeseed oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 parsnips, diced 2 parsnips, diced
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (200g) mixed Nordic grains (such as barley, rye, and spelt) 1 cup (200g) mixed Nordic grains (such as barley, rye, and spelt)
• 1 cup (240ml) white wine 1 cup (240ml) white wine
• 1 cup (200g) foraged mushrooms, sliced 1 cup (200g) foraged mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pan, heat the rapeseed oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the diced carrots, parsnips, and sliced fennel bulb to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the mixed Nordic grains and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to toast slightly.
4. 4.
   Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring occasionally, until the grains are cooked through and tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the sliced foraged mushrooms, dried thyme, and dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Nordic grains — Make sure to rinse the grains thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Foraged mushrooms — If you're not familiar with foraging, you can substitute with cultivated mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor, you can grill the vegetables before adding them to the paella.
• Experiment with different Nordic grains to find your favorite combination.
• For extra richness, drizzle some cold-pressed rapeseed oil over the paella before serving.
• Serve with a dollop of lingonberry jam for a touch of sweetness.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with the vegetable selection based on what's in season.

Serving advice

Serve the New Nordic Paella hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of lingonberry jam and a slice of crusty Nordic bread.

Presentation advice

Present the New Nordic Paella in a large, shallow serving dish to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and grains. Sprinkle some edible flowers on top for an extra touch of Nordic elegance.