Soulful Southern Paella

Ingredients

While the traditional Spanish Paella is known for its saffron-infused rice and seafood, our Soulful Southern Paella takes a departure by incorporating Southern ingredients and flavors. We substitute saffron with a blend of smoky spices, and seafood with a combination of juicy chicken, succulent shrimp, and savory sausage. This adaptation infuses the dish with a rich and comforting taste that is characteristic of soul food. We alse have the original recipe for Paella, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (235ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (235ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup (185g) diced tomatoes 1 cup (185g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup (185g) long-grain rice 1 cup (185g) long-grain rice
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 pound (225g) smoked sausage, sliced 1/2 pound (225g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 pound (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. 4.
   Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the spices and vegetables.
5. 5.
   Pour in the chicken broth and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
6. 6.
   While the rice is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a separate skillet, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
7. 7.
   In the same skillet, cook the sliced smoked sausage until browned. Set aside.
8. 8.
   Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the cooked chicken, smoked sausage, and shrimp. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked.
9. 9.
   Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Shrimp — Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Smoked sausage — Use a high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. If unavailable, substitute with Andouille sausage or any smoked sausage of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle with cayenne pepper before serving.
• If you prefer a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Feel free to add your favorite Southern vegetables, such as okra or collard greens, to enhance the soul food experience.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Southern Paella hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Presentation advice

Present the Soulful Southern Paella in a large, colorful paella pan or a deep skillet. The vibrant colors of the ingredients will make it visually appealing. Sprinkle some additional chopped parsley on top for an extra pop of freshness.