Nouvelle Cuisine Paella

Ingredients

While the traditional Spanish Paella is known for its rustic charm and bold flavors, our Nouvelle Cuisine Paella takes a more delicate and refined approach. We use lighter ingredients and incorporate innovative techniques to create a dish that is both visually appealing and bursting with complex flavors. 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 cup (200g) Arborio rice 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine 1/2 cup (120ml) white wine
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (100g) green peas 1/2 cup (100g) green peas
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat until simmering.
2. 2.
   In a separate large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the bell peppers and zucchini to the pan, and cook until slightly softened.
4. 4.
   Stir in the Arborio rice, saffron threads, and smoked paprika, coating the rice with the oil and spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the white wine and cook until it has evaporated.
6. 6.
   Begin adding the simmering vegetable broth to the pan, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle.
7. 7.
   Continue this process until the rice is cooked al dente, about 20 minutes.
8. 8.
   Stir in the cherry tomatoes and green peas, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Remove from heat and let the paella rest for a few minutes.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arborio rice — Use Arborio rice for its creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors.
• Saffron threads — Infuse the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm water before adding them to the dish for enhanced color and aroma.
• Smoked paprika — Opt for smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky flavor to the paella.
• Cherry tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Fresh parsley — Reserve some fresh parsley for garnishing the paella just before serving to add a touch of brightness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest to the paella just before serving.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as asparagus or artichokes to add your own twist to the dish.
• To achieve a crispy bottom layer, known as "socarrat," let the paella cook undisturbed for the last few minutes, allowing the rice to form a golden crust.
• Serve the paella with a side of aioli or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra layer of flavor.
• Leftover paella can be transformed into delicious arancini by shaping the cold rice mixture into balls, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Nouvelle Cuisine Paella as the centerpiece of your meal, accompanied by a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and delicate flavors of the paella will impress your guests and make for a memorable dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Nouvelle Cuisine Paella in a shallow, wide serving dish to showcase the beautiful arrangement of colorful vegetables and saffron-infused rice. Garnish with sprigs of fresh parsley for a pop of green and a touch of elegance.