Monmouthshire Seafood Paella

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Spanish Paella de mariscos, we have incorporated the flavors and ingredients that are characteristic of Monmouthshire's cuisine. While the original dish uses traditional Spanish ingredients and spices, our Monmouthshire Seafood Paella showcases the local seafood available in the region and incorporates herbs and spices commonly used in Monmouthshire's culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Paella de mariscos, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 200g (7oz) Arborio rice 200g (7oz) Arborio rice
• 400ml (1 3/4 cups) fish stock 400ml (1 3/4 cups) fish stock
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• A pinch of saffron threads A pinch of saffron threads
• 200g (7oz) prawns, peeled and deveined 200g (7oz) prawns, peeled and deveined
• 200g (7oz) mussels, cleaned and debearded 200g (7oz) mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 200g (7oz) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings 200g (7oz) squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or a wide, shallow skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
4. 4.
   Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir well to coat the grains with the oil and vegetables.
5. 5.
   In a separate pot, heat the fish stock until it simmers. Add the smoked paprika, turmeric, and saffron threads to the stock and stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Gradually pour the seasoned fish stock into the paella pan, stirring gently to distribute the liquid evenly.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it is almost cooked but still has a slight bite to it.
8. 8.
   Arrange the prawns, mussels, and squid on top of the rice, pushing them slightly into the mixture.
9. 9.
   Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.
10. 10.
    Remove the paella from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
11. 11.
    Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Prawns — Make sure to devein the prawns before cooking to remove the digestive tract. This will enhance their flavor and texture.
• Mussels — Clean the mussels thoroughly by scrubbing the shells and removing any beards. Discard any mussels that are already open or cracked.
• Saffron threads — To extract the maximum flavor and color from saffron, soak the threads in a tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• If you prefer a spicier paella, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Use high-quality saffron threads for the best flavor and color.
• Serve the paella with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.

Serving advice

Serve the Monmouthshire Seafood Paella hot, straight from the pan. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany it with lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness. This dish is perfect for sharing, so gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the flavors of Monmouthshire together.

Presentation advice

Present the Monmouthshire Seafood Paella in the traditional paella pan for an authentic touch. The vibrant colors of the seafood and vegetables against the golden saffron-infused rice will create an eye-catching display. Sprinkle some additional chopped parsley on top for a pop of green and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an inviting presentation.