Russian-style Paella

Ingredients

While the original Spanish paella typically includes ingredients like saffron, chorizo, and seafood, this Russian-style paella replaces them with ingredients commonly found in Russian cuisine. The dish incorporates traditional Russian flavors such as smoked salmon, mushrooms, and dill, giving it a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Paella, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) short-grain rice 2 cups (400g) short-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 8 ounces (225g) smoked salmon, cut into small pieces 8 ounces (225g) smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
• 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced bell pepper and mushrooms to the pan and cook until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the rice, paprika, and dried dill, coating the rice with the oil and spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. 6.
   After 15 minutes, add the frozen peas and smoked salmon to the pan. Stir gently to combine.
7. 7.
   Cover the pan again and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and let the paella rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked salmon — Be sure to use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use regular cooked salmon instead.
• Mushrooms — Choose your favorite variety of mushrooms, such as cremini or button mushrooms, for this dish. Make sure to clean them thoroughly before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté the rice in butter before adding the vegetable broth.
• If you prefer a spicier paella, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Serve the paella with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini.
• Leftover paella can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Russian-style paella hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley. It can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, transfer the paella to a large serving platter and arrange lemon wedges around the edges. Sprinkle some additional dill or parsley on top for a pop of color.